Dave Nichols
The Spokesman-Review
The Seattle Mariners selected Logan Gilbert, a 6-foot-6, 201-pound right-handed pitcher out of Stetson University, with the 14th overall pick in first round of the 2018 MLB Draft in Secaucus, New Jersey, on Monday.
Gilbert, 21, becomes the first pitcher taken in the first round by the Mariners since Danny Hultzen in 2011 and he will easily be ranked in the top three Mariners prospects immediately.
In the second round (No. 54 overall), the M’s selected Josh Stowers, a junior outfielder from Louisville, who ranked No. 146 on MLB.com’s prospect list and No. 124 by Baseball America.
On Saturday in an NCAA Regional game, Gilbert struck out 14 over seven innings against Oklahoma State. Stetson advanced out of the Deland Region and takes on UNC this weekend.
As a junior in 2018, Gilbert has posted a 2.52 ERA while going 11-1 with 157 strikeouts and 23 walks in 15 starts. His 157 strikeouts lead NCAA Division I baseball this season, while his 0.82 WHIP is fifth.
Over the course of three seasons with Stetson, the right-hander posted a 23-2 record with a 2.38 ERA over 245 1/3 innings with 307 strikeouts and 75 walks in 51 games (32 starts) while allowing only 11 home runs.
“Logan is a polished, accomplished college pitcher,” Mariners director of amateur scouting Scott Hunter said via press release. “He is a strikeout pitcher who controls the zone and wins, as evidenced by his 21-1 mark over the past two years. This is a player we felt we had no chance at, coming out of the summer. We are truly excited to add this type of talent to our organization.”
Gilbert, was named Atlantic Sun Conference Pitcher of the Year and received ASUN first-team All-Conference honors following his sophomore season in 2017. He received All-America honors from Perfect Game (third team) and Collegiate Baseball (second team), and was selected preseason All-America by Collegiate Baseball (second team) and Perfect Game (first team) prior to his junior year in 2018.
Gilbert pitched in the 91-92 MPH range this season, touching 94. He features a slider and curveball, but his changeup may be his best pitch. According to his draft profile, all four pitches grade as major-league average or better. Gilbert throws comfortably with an easy delivery and a consistent arm slot and boasts strong control and command.
Stetson has also produced big league all-stars Corey Kluber and Jacob deGrom.
The Mariners were represented at the MLB Draft by former M’s all-star Mike Moore and southeast area scout Dan Rovetto.
With the first selection in the draft, the Detroit Tigers selected RHP Casey Mize from Auburn.
