Florida State Seminoles starting pitcher Jamie Arnold (16) pitches against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha in 2024. Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

ESPN Insider Projects Seattle Mariners to Draft Florida State Star At No. 3 in MLB Draft

Originally posted on Minor League Baseball on SI
By Brady Farkas | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 1:12 PM ET

ESPN MLB Insider Kiley McDaniel projects the Seattle Mariners to draft Florida State left-hander Jamie Arnold with the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft.

The Mariners seem to be zeroed in on pitching with Anderson and Arnold being the best fits for them, along with high school pitcher Seth Hernandez if they can stomach taking a prep right-hander this high. In this scenario, I think they just take Arnold. Oregon State shortstop Aiva Arquette is still being scouted for this pick and I've heard Ike Irish and JoJo Parker brought up, but they seem to be on the outside looking in right now.

NEW MOCK DRAFT https://t.co/mz7dg8wOCg
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) June 18, 2025

Kade Anderson is who McDaniel is referring to, as he's the star lefty out of LSU. With the Tigers right now in Omaha for the College World Series, he's gone 11-1 this season, striking out 170 batters in 110.0 innings.

As for Arnold, he led the Seminoles all the way to the Super Regionals, where they were eliminated by the Oregon State Beavers. He made 15 starts this season, going 8-2 with a 2.98 ERA. He struck out 119 batters in 84.2 innings.

Anderson may be the preference for the M's, but they also may not get a chance to take him, as the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels own the first two picks. With either Anderson or Arnold, the M's would be getting a lefty option in their rotation for the first time since the 2023 season (Marco Gonzales). However, Arnold is still years away from the big leagues.

The draft begins on July 13.

The Mariners enter play on Wednesday at 37-35 and 4.5 games back of the Houston Astros in the American League West.

This article first appeared on Minor League Baseball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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