Does D.J. Peterson Make the Grade?

Let's take a look at 10 of the most important attributes that should help to indicate what a prospect’s future might hold. Players are ranked on a scale of 1-10 by their qualities for each aspect, accumulating in a final prospect grade. Grades are based on what prospects can bring to the table from the current position they are projected to play in the major leagues.

1) Baseball IQ – The University of New Mexico graduate has a knowledge for the game that has allowed him to move quickly and have continued success at every level since being drafted 12^th overall last year. Rating: 10 out of 10.

2) Batting-Eye – In the third baseman’s first 120 professional games, he has 107 strikeouts to just 43 walks. It would be good to see the walk total go up. Peterson has a higher strikeout rate in 2014 which may be due to playing at higher levels so soon. Rating: 8 out of 10.

3) Hit-Tool – After hitting for a .303 average between 2 levels in 2013, the top prospect has hit for a .326 clip so far in 2014 which earned a recent promotion to Double-A. The Mariners are hoping that the early success in the minors will translate to the major league level. Rating: 10 out of 10.

4) Power – The hit tool looks good, the power might be better. In 2013 Peterson mashed 13 HR’s in 55 games. So far in 2014 the slugger has added 18 HR’s in his first 65 games. We have a legitimate power prospect on our hands folks. Rating: 10 out of 10.

5) Speed – The Mariners’ top hitting prospect doesn’t steal many bases, but he has managed a way to swipe 6 bags so far on the year. If Peterson can chip in 5-to-10 SB’s a year in the majors, consider it a nice bonus added onto the power. Rating: 7 out of 10.

6) Body – The right-handed hitting prospect is currently listed at 6’1" and 190 pounds. Peterson should be athletic enough to stay at the hot corner for a long time. Rating: 10 out of 10.

7) Durability – D.J. Peterson stayed healthy enough throughout his college career to finish his college career tied for first in school history in doubles (78), tied for fourth in RBI’s (198) and fourth in home runs (41). There are no concerns here. Rating: 10 out of 10.

8) Ceiling – If the early numbers translate, we are looking at a homerun hitting, RBI producing machine for fantasy leagues. I could see similar stat-lines to a younger Aramis Ramirez coming out of D.J. Peterson in the future if everything breaks right. Rating: 9 out of 10.

9) Floor – Playing in Seattle has been known to hinder the counting stats, and it seems like we get burnt by every top hitting prospect this organization has produced in recent history. Hopefully, Peterson will break that trend. Rating: 7 out of 10.

10) Future – Peterson has been on what is known as the fast-track since he was drafted a year ago. The Mariners will give the prospect a chance to become the middle-of-the-order run producer that management envisioned when drafting him. Rating: 8 out of 10.

Overall Grade: 89% - B+

Future Outlook: It is surprising to me that D.J. Peterson isn’t drawing more attention so far this year. After hitting 33 HR’s in his first 120 professional games, we should be discussing him in the same class as the other top hitters still in the minor leagues. The most impressive stat on the third baseman’s young career might be the 120 total RBI’s in his first 120 minor league games. After finding tremendous success to start his minor league career, the prospect was recently promoted to Double-A. It won’t be long until he is ready to contribute to the big league club. With Kyle Seager doing well, there is no need to rush Peterson this year. We should see the young prospect take his first major league swings sometime during the 2015 season.