Fansided

Let’s take a look at where the MLB Draft Class of 2016 is now

By Joshua Sadlock

TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Mickey Moniak (2) of the Threshers hits his first home run of the season during the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Mickey Moniak (2) of the Threshers hits his first home run of the season during the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 15: Kyle Lewis #2 of the Seattle Mariners and the U.S. Team bats against the World Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 15: Kyle Lewis #2 of the Seattle Mariners and the U.S. Team bats against the World Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

11. Seattle Mariners: Kyle Lewis, OF, Mercer

Mercer center fielder Kyle Lewis entered the draft with exploding stock. He won the 2016 Golden Spikes Award given to the best college player and some scouts viewed him as a potential top-five pick. Seeing Lewis still on the board at 11 was a huge steal for the Mariners. He was a legitimate five-tool prospect, something Seattle desperately needed in their weak farm system.

Lewis got off to a tremendous start in his first season in the Mariners system, hitting .299/.385/.530 with three home runs and 26 RBI in 30 games at Low-A. Unfortunately, he suffered a severe knee injury on a collision at home plate. The injury, surgery and subsequent rehab kept Lewis out for almost all of 2017. He hasn’t quite been the same explosive player since.

After missing most of 2017, Lewis got himself back on track at the plate last season and made the Futures Game. He still played in only 86 games but flashed power to all fields. Lewis is a free swinger who will strike out, but he has the power and arm strength to stick as a right fielder.

The 23-year-old may finally be fully healthy again in 2019 and is hitting well in his first 55 games at Double-A this year. Lewis is carrying a .255/.347/.385 line and has already drawn more walks than all of last season. If he can put together a full healthy season, Lewis should figure into the Mariners big-league plans for next season.

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