Seattle Mariners Draft Ace Reese with 24th Pick in 2026 MLB Draft

Seattle Mariners bolstered their farm system on July 12, 2026 by selecting Mississippi State third baseman Ace Reese with the 24th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. The left‑handed hitter, a 6‑foot‑4, 220‑pound junior, posted a .336 average and 24 homers, giving Seattle a promising offensive upgrade.

Who is Ace Reese and what did he achieve in college?

Reese entered the draft after a standout junior year at Mississippi State, where he hit .336 with 24 home runs, 74 RBI and a .432 on‑base percentage over 62 games. His slugging .721 produced a 1.152 OPS, the second‑most home runs in the SEC that season and the fifth‑most ever for the Bulldogs. He also logged 23 doubles, leading the conference and tying the school’s eighth‑best single‑season mark.

Why does this matter for the Seattle Mariners?

Mariners scouting VP Scott Hunter highlighted Reese’s blend of power and contact, noting his “good 3B defense” and upside for the organization’s lineup. Adding a left‑handed bat at third base gives Seattle a rare combination of size and swing mechanics, something the club has lacked since drafting Evan White in 2017. Reese ranks 12th overall per Baseball America and 18th per MLB Pipeline, indicating he could accelerate the Mariners’ rebuild.

How does the pick fit into Seattle’s broader draft strategy?

Reese is the third consecutive college player taken with Seattle’s first pick, following left‑handed pitcher Kade Anderson in 2025 and switch‑handed pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje in 2024. The Mariners also own the 65th, 101st and 129th selections, positioning the club to add depth across the farm system. This approach mirrors Seattle’s recent emphasis on high‑ceiling college talent rather than high‑school projects.

What’s the current state of the Seattle Mariners?

The Mariners sit 6th in the American League with a 47‑49 record, enduring a five‑game losing streak. Their most recent outing ended in a 6‑1 loss @ Tampa Bay Rays on July 11, 2026. The team’s offensive struggles underscore the need for a bat like Reese’s, who could help turn the tide as Seattle looks to climb out of the AL’s lower tier.

What’s next for Ace Reese and Seattle?

Reese will report to Mariners’ spring training in February, where he’ll face major‑league pitching and begin defensive work at third base under the guidance of hitting coach Tim Laker. If he adapts quickly, Seattle could see him in Double‑A by next season, providing a potential middle‑of‑order bat for a club eager to break its losing streak.