Yesterday, the Mariners announced they brought up Clase, who made his debut on Monday against the Reds. The 21-year-old outfielder was having a tremendous start in the Pacific Coast League in 12 games to start his 2024. Over those 12 games, Clase hit .311/.396/.611, good for a 1.018 OPS. It is worth mentioning that Clase played in an extreme hitter friendly environment in the PCL. Still, putting up those numbers is pretty decent.
The Mariners were forced to add an outfielder as they lost Dominic Canzone to an injury. Canzone was placed on the 10-day injured list with a sprain AC Joint in his left Shoulder. Canzone was having a solid season so far with a .219/.286/.531 slash line.
After the unfortunate news about Canzone, the Mariners chose a top prospect to replace him. The switch hitting Clase, made his major league debut on Monday. Prospects1500 had Clase as the Mariners number six prospect. About Clase they wrote:
Clase was a problem on the basepaths in 2023. After stealing 55 bases in 2022, he added to that total for a combined 79 last season over 121 games in High-A and Double-A. His undeniable speed makes him a bonafide option in centerfield, but he’s also improved on his route running. At the plate, Clase struck out more than he would’ve liked, but the other side of that was hitting a career high 20 home runs. Speed is always a valuable commodity to any club, so that alone makes Clase an asset. The next season will be a big one for him, and he has an outside chance to make the majors. (written by @aj_greene1015)
Clase can play all outfield positions and started his major league career in left field, the spot that Canzone played. Clase got signed by the Mariners out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, as a 16-year-old. After starting his pro career with a .878 OPS in the Dominican Summer League, he made his stateside debut after the Covid year. Over a total of 325 games, Clase hit .264/.376/.457 with 39 home runs and 160 runs batted in. He has shown an above average plate discipline for a 21-year-old throughout the minor leagues.
After struggling in the Winter leagues, Clase was part of Major League Spring training in 2024. Clase did well hitting .321/.310/.393. Those numbers weren’t eye popping, but for his young age, there is some development to do.
One concern mentioned by Prospects1500 is his strikeout rate. In 2023, Clase struck out 165 times in 129 games, most coming in his AA stint where he hit .222/.331/.396, showing he isn’tready to perform against upper-level arms?
His early AAA numbers are good. But still, it’s Pacific Coast League. A league known for its crazy high offensive numbers due to the thin air. I would have been careful with grading those numbers and put him in the major leagues. Yes, Clase has a ton of talent and can help the ballclub innumerous ways, but I don’t want him to take a hit on his development, being up too early. Another option for the Mariners was Sam Haggerty, who is having a good start of his own in AAA and coming off a strong showing in 2023. You could have given Raley some more playing time in Left and used Haggerty in a utility role. On the other hand, giving the prospect the opportunity to start should be applauded.
Let’s hope Clase shows he is capable of performing against Major League Pitching and my concerns are overblown. If I ended up being too cautious, it’s a good thing for the Mariners.
