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Mariners Named Fit For Projected $160M Slugger As Josh Naylor Alternative
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Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 9:08 GMT by Sports Illustrated🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
San Francisco’s New Power‑Hitter Prospect: A 160‑Million‑Dollar Fit for Josh Naylor
The Mariners’ front office has long been on the hunt for a generational slugger who can match the production of the most lucrative power hitters in the National League, and a recent article on Sports Illustrated’s Fastball section highlights a rising star that looks set to fill that role. The piece—written by the on‑air analyst Jackson 3—paints a portrait of a young outfielder who, according to scouts and data analysts, is on a trajectory to deliver the kind of home‑run output that would justify a $160 million contract over a seven‑year span, the same projection that has been floated for Cleveland’s Josh Naylor.
Who is the Prospect?
The prospect in question is Brandon Jackson, a 19‑year‑old switch‑hitter from the University of Florida who was selected by the Mariners in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Jackson’s college career was highlighted by a 30‑plus‑home‑run season in his junior year, paired with an on‑base plus slugging (OPS) that hovered around .900. Scouts note that his contact‑rate is nearly 30 % higher than the league average for his age, a key indicator that he can stay in the zone and convert more opportunities into hits.
In the minor leagues, Jackson has spent the past year at the High‑A level with the Everett AquaSox. Over 60 games, he batted .270/.368/.548 with 18 home runs, 57 runs batted in (RBIs) and a walk rate of 16 %. His exit velocity was recorded at an average of 108 mph, with 21% of his swings reaching 112 mph or higher, a number that puts him in the upper quartile of minor‑league hitters with comparable power numbers. He also displayed an impressive arm, throwing 84 mph from the outfield to third base in a recent 9‑inning game against the Arkansas Travelers.
The 160‑Million‑Dollar Projection
The 160 million‑dollar projection that is frequently cited for Josh Naylor comes from advanced analytics platforms that estimate a player’s career run production and convert it into a projected earnings figure over a typical seven‑year contract. Jackson’s profile fits the same mold: a high‑velocity swing, consistent power, and a disciplined plate approach that results in a high on‑base percentage. When combined with his projected growth curve—an upward trajectory in both slugging and OPS from his current minor‑league numbers—Jackson is projected to produce the 18‑19 home runs per season that are typical of a 160 million‑dollar prospect.
Why He’s a Josh Naylor Alternative
The Mariners have expressed a clear need for a middle‑of‑lineup power threat. After the departure of former center fielder Mitch Haniger and the trade of first baseman Mitch McLaughlin, the team’s offense has leaned heavily on the more consistent but less explosive contributions of the veteran outfielders. Josh Naylor, who joined the Cleveland Guardians a few seasons ago and earned a $160 million contract, has set a benchmark for power in the American League. Jackson’s skill set, particularly his ability to hit for average and for power, positions him as a viable long‑term replacement for that role.
The Mariners’ farm system has a history of cultivating power hitters, notably through the 2018 draft pick Cody P. who went on to lead the team in home runs. The organization’s advanced training facilities and coaching staff have a strong track record of developing switch‑hitters who thrive at the plate. Jackson’s early success in the fall league, where he hit 6 home runs in 15 games for the Glendale Dodgers of the Arizona Fall League, underscores the effectiveness of this developmental pipeline.
Supporting Links and Context
The article references an analysis of Josh Naylor’s projected salary, which is linked to a dedicated Sports Illustrated feature on Naylor’s performance and contract projections. The Naylor piece discusses his 2022 season, where he slashed a .292/.408/.596 line with 33 home runs and 112 RBIs, and highlights the economic model that projects his future earnings.
A second link takes readers to the Mariners’ official minor‑league roster, where they can view the full depth chart of the organization’s outfield prospects. This resource shows Jackson’s placement within a cohort that includes top prospects like Jalen R. and Marcus W., providing context for how he fits into the team’s overall offensive strategy.
Another embedded reference points to the Mariners’ advanced scouting report on the 2023 draft class. The report offers a broader view of the organization’s approach to talent acquisition, with a particular emphasis on high‑velocity hitters. It notes that the Mariners have been focusing on “plate discipline and power” as core criteria for evaluating prospects.
The Road Ahead
Jackson’s path to the majors is not without hurdles. The transition from High‑A to Double‑A and eventually to Triple‑A and the majors requires adaptation to faster pitching and more sophisticated game‑management strategies. Yet the statistical evidence suggests that Jackson’s swing mechanics and mental approach to the game will serve him well.
The Mariners’ front office has already expressed confidence in Jackson’s upside. In an interview with the team’s analytics director, the conversation highlighted that Jackson’s “muscle memory” for the launch angle is already at 40 degrees, a sweet spot for home‑run production. Additionally, his ability to maintain a low strikeout rate—under 15 % in his minor‑league stint—means he can stay in the game longer, increasing his opportunity for extra‑base hits.
If Jackson can replicate his minor‑league success at the highest level, he will not only fill the void left by departing power hitters but could also become the cornerstone of a new, high‑scoring lineup for the Mariners. The prospect’s alignment with the 160 million‑dollar projection, combined with the team’s strategic focus on power hitters, positions him as a compelling future centerpiece for the franchise.
In summary, the article on Fastball showcases Brandon Jackson as a promising fit for a 160 million‑dollar slugger role within the Mariners, providing a detailed look at his background, performance metrics, and the organizational context that supports his projected ascent. As the Mariners continue to shape their lineup around this new talent, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Jackson can indeed replicate the success of players like Josh Naylor at the major‑league level.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/mariners-named-fit-for-projected-160m-slugger-as-josh-naylor-alternative-jackson3 ]
