No. 6 prospect Farmelo out for season with right ACL tear

SEATTLE -- Jonny Farmelo’s non-contact right knee injury sustained earlier this week will sideline him for the rest of the 2024 season. Mariners general manager Justin Hollander revealed on Saturday that Seattle’s No. 6 prospect, per MLB Pipeline has a torn ACL.

Surgery has not yet been scheduled, nor has a timeline to his recovery been established. Hollander added that there was no additional damage to Farmelo’s knee.

“Obviously, really disappointing,” Hollander said. “He was off to an unbelievable start. He was checking a lot of boxes in terms of mastering one level and moving to the next one. So really disappointed for Jonny.”

Farmelo's leg buckled on the outfield grass when attempting to catch a fly ball, seemingly while also keeping his eye on the runner at third base in an attempt to prevent him from scoring on an eventual sacrifice fly. Farmelo fell to the ground in visible pain. Two days later, he was seen at T-Mobile Park on crutches with the Major League team's athletic training staff after the Mariners' game against the White Sox.

“I know that he will take the time and find a way to turn it into a positive,” Hollander said. “He's really smart. He's really mature. He's really growth-minded. He asks great questions. He'll find a way to turn the rest of this season when he's not playing into learning opportunities for him that he can use on the field when he gets there, but obviously he'll miss the rest of the season.”

Farmelo was the No. 29 overall pick in last year's MLB Draft and among the high school trio that the club selected within the first 30 overall picks, along with Colt Emerson (Seattle's No. 3 prospect) and Tai Peete (No. 7). That group, although a ways off, is expected to be among the headliners to the next wave of talent in Seattle. Farmelo signed for $3.2 million, well over the $2,800,700 slot value for the pick.

The 19-year-old made a strong impression in Spring Training in a limited sample, putting on a full five-tool display -- particularly with his speed, as he's been touted among the fastest in the organization.

Across 221 plate appearances over 46 games at Modesto, Farmelo hit .264/.398/.421 (.820 OPS) with four homers, 25 RBIs, three triples, 10 doubles and 18 stolen bases while being getting caught stealing twice. He had a 23.5% strikeout rate and 16.3% walk rate.