Seattle Mariners select SS Edwin Arroyo Jr. in the second round (pick 48) of the 2021 MLB Draft

After surprising many in the industry who had them tied to a college hitter by selecting C/OF Harry Ford with their first pick, the Mariners went for upside and athleticism again with their second pick at #48, selecting SS Edwin Arroyo Jr. out of Central Pointe Christian Academy in Kissimmee, Florida (although he is a native of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and moved to Florida as a high schooler to get more scouting looks).

Arroyo is a switch-hitter and a switch-thrower (he pitches left-handed). He’s also one of the youngest players in the draft, having not even turned 18 yet; his birthday is (steel yourselves, fellow Olds) 8/25/2003. Arroyo is a true shortstop predicted to stick there, with natural ability at the position, fluid movements and smooth mechanics. He has plus arm strength and draws universally positive reviews from scouts for his fielding ability.

Offensively he is more of a project, as high school hitters tend to be. At just skimming six feet and 170 pounds, there’s plenty of strength to be added, but right now the power projections are light, and he’s seen as more hit/contact over power. Adding to the difficulty of projecting the bat is the fact that he’s a switch-hitter with differing approaches from both sides, with a right-handed approach that’s more line drive-oriented and a left-handed approach that’s more loft-oriented.

Arroyo is expected to sign at slot, meaning the Mariners haven’t compromised the rest of their draft by selecting two high school players with the first two picks. These are exciting times for those of us who have wished to see the team draft a little more athleticism and upside early in the draft, as both these first two picks stand out for their pure athletic ability.

For those who enjoy the soft skills side of prospects, Arroyo has a big personality, too; he is proud of his Puerto Rican roots and wants to be the next great player from the island.