The Mariners announced today that they have optioned first baseman Tyler Locklear to Tacoma.
Locklear, 24, was the Mariners’ second-round pick in 2022; the Mariners liked the power in his big right-handed bat even at VCU, which has a difficult offensive environment, similar to Double-A Arkansas.
Locklear is the most defensively talented first baseman who was in the mix for regular reps at the spot. As a former tight end, he’s deceptively quick, able to run down foul balls, while still being a big target at first, and has showed a strong ability to pick the ball.