‘It will work:’ Mariners confident their ‘holistic’ plan will turn top prospects into big-league production

Editor’s note: As part of an ongoing series, The Seattle Times is tracking a handful of the top prospects — among them, Justus Sheffield, Jarred Kelenic, Julio Rodriguez, Evan White and Kyle Lewis — whom the Mariners have identified as key figures in their “step-back” plan. Today, a broad examination of the Mariners’ player-development program.

There is added excitement surrounding the Seattle Mariners’ minor-league prospects these days, and Andy McKay certainly recognizes that. He’s excited, too.

A flurry of winter trades — Goodbye, Cano; Hello, Kelenic — infused the Mariners’ farm system with the sort of high-end talent that largely has been missing in the organization the past five years.…