The Mariners select RHP Emerson Hancock sixth overall in the 2020 MLB Draft

With the sixth pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, the Mariners have selected right-handed pitcher Emerson Hancock out of Georgia.

The 6-foot-4, 213-pound Hancock is a solidly-built, hard-throwing righty with an impressive pitch arsenal and an innate ability to fool hitters, and he’s widely regarded as the best right-hander in this draft class. He didn’t dominate throughout his college career — he posted a 5.10 ERA while striking out 75 and walking 34 in 77.2 innings as a freshman at Georgia — but he has the composure and poise of a veteran and fools hitters with an unusual release point that’s closer to his right ear than those of most righties.

He had a fantastic sophomore campaign for the Bulldogs, posting a 1.99 ERA with 97 strikeouts and just 18 walks over 90.1 frames, then he took a bit of a step back in four starts this year before the season was cancelled, throwing for a 3.75 ERA with 34 Ks and three walks in 24 innings. He still has work to do and needs to become more consistent, but Hancock’s upside is obvious. He has an overpowering fastball that is capable of reaching 100 MPH, three plus breaking pitches (a slider, curveball, and changeup) and improving command that could very well be elite by the time he’s a finished product.