Seattle Mariners: 6 Prospects at Spring Training Team Can Build Around

The Seattle Mariners have one of the best crops of young talent in baseball, some of which we've seen a preview of this spring.

Because the team acquired several veterans this offseason, many of the following players won't get their chance to shine in the big leagues for a couple of seasons, but at that point, they should be more than ready to make an impact if they haven't been traded away (knock on wood).

Here are some prospects the Mariners can build around in the future.

All stats via MLB.com and Baseball-Reference.com. 

Brandon Maurer

Despite the enormous hype around the Big Three, Brandon Maurer has been the most impressive young pitcher this spring.

The 22-year-old righty has a good chance at filling the fifth spot in the starting rotation for Opening Day since he currently carries the third-lowest ERA among qualified pitchers in all of baseball (1.20).

Maurer's value has recently been underplayed as a result of heavy attention on the Big Three, but Maurer is making a strong case to be included in "The Big Four," as well as earning an Opening Day roster spot.

The Big Three

Taijuan Walker, Danny Hultzen and James Paxton have had pressure on them for some time now.

"The Big Three," as they've been dubbed, were expected to make a case for roster spots this spring, but veterans Jon Garland and Joe Saunders appear to to be front runners for the available rotation spots. 

But if the three of them can stay healthy and pan out as expected, a rotation with Felix Hernandez, Maurer and the Big Three would be scary in a few years. Walker has ace potential, and lefties Paxton and Hultzen have above average stuff to contribute.

While it doesn't look like we'll be seeing any of them this season, or at least not until the end of it, the Big Three have a ton of potential and the players' arrival is anxiously awaited.

Stefen Romero

Infielder Stefen Romero—a guy you might not have heard a lot about—is swinging a hot bat this spring and is a strong candidate to be a September call-up.

He's a cool 7-14 at the plate with a pair of home runs and eight runs batted in, yet finds himself one of the odd men out due to a crowded roster.

Romero's already proved he's versatile, having played a couple hand fulls of games at third base and left field in the minor leagues.

With a lifetime average of .318 in the minors, Romero is a proven hitter who will make a big impact once he finds a place on the field.

Mike Zunino

Seattle's first round pick in 2012, catcher Mike Zunino is the backstop of the future in the Emerald City.

He still needs more experience and grooming, but through 44 games between single and double A, Zunino is hitting .360 and averages a home run every 12 at bats.

Jesus Montero gets the call at backstop for now, but in a year or two expect Zunino to take control at catcher while Montero takes DH duties.