When Baseball America said the Mariners had the 28th-best farm system this past February, nobody raised any objections. When ESPN did the same, there was no pushback.
Minus Kyle Seager, well-regarded position prospects during Jack Zduriencik's tenure failed to attain success with the big-league club, whether it was first baseman Justin Smoak, former No. 2 overall pick Dustin Ackley or catcher Mike Zunino. All were hastily brought to the big leagues, as the pressure from ownership and fans to break a playoff drought that dated back to 2001 grew.
As management rushed top talent to the majors, a farm system Baseball America ranked 2nd overall in 2013 slipped to 25th the following year, then made a slight rebound in 2015 (24th) before completely bottoming out in 2016.