Top prospects highlight Mariners' NRI list

One of the final acts of business before the trucks load up for Spring Training took place on Thursday, as the Mariners announced their list of non-roster invites for their Major League camp.

Seattle is bringing 26 non-roster players, in addition to those on its 40-man roster -- raising its total to 66 -- including 10 who weren’t in the organization in 2020. Of the 16 non-roster invitees who were with the club last year, 12 were either drafted by the Mariners or signed with the team as amateur free agents.

The headliners are outfielders Jarred Kelenic (the Mariners' No. 1 prospect per MLB Pipeline) and Julio Rodriguez (No. 2), right-hander Logan Gilbert (No. 4) and catcher Cal Raleigh (No. 8), all of whom are entering their second Major League camp.

• Kelenic, Gilbert knocking on big league door

Outfielder Taylor Trammell (No. 5) will also be in camp, having been added to the 40-man roster on Nov. 20. Trammell was a key return in the trade that sent Austin Nola to the Padres last August, and the Mariners are eager to get a more extended look at him, beyond the limited reps he had at the alternate training site last season.

The notable names left off were right-hander George Kirby (No. 6) and shortstop Noelvi Marte (No. 7), though both are further back in their development and will begin the season with a low-level Minor League affiliate. (The start dates for those leagues remain uncertain.) Catcher Carter Bins is the only player who will be participating in his first big league camp.

• Julio looks, sounds every bit like big leaguer

“This year’s group of non-roster invitees features existing talent from our own system, including what we believe to be some of the best prospects in the game,” general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a statement. “In addition, we have an intriguing group of experienced players who have the skills to make an immediate contribution.”

Here’s a breakdown of Seattle’s non-roster invitees:

Pitchers (13)
• Gerson Bautista, RHP
• Nick Duron, RHP
• Roenis Elías, LHP
• Logan Gilbert, RHP
• Moises Gomez, RHP
• Brady Lail, RHP
• Matt Magill, RHP
• Darren McCaughan, RHP
• Ian McKinney, LHP
• Vinny Nittoli, RHP
• Paul Sewald, RHP
• Drew Steckenrider, RHP
• Jimmy Yacabonis, RHP

Catchers (five)
• Carter Bins
• Jose Godoy
• Josh Morgan
• Brian O’Keefe
• Cal Raleigh

Infielders (three)
• Jordan Cowan
• Sam Travis
• Jantzen Witte

Outfielders (five)
• Eric Filia
• Jarred Kelenic
• Luis Liberato
• Julio Rodriguez
• Dillon Thomas