Tyler Locklear has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in the Seattle Mariners’ minor league system. As a powerful first baseman with a disciplined approach at the plate, his consistent performance has earned him recognition across scouting platforms such as Fangraphs and MLB Pipeline. In this comprehensive guide, we explore Tyler Locklear’s prospect ranking, detailed Fangraphs report, trade potential, and estimated net worth.
Early Life and Baseball Background
Born on November 24, 2000, in Maryland, Tyler Locklear developed a passion for baseball at an early age. He attended Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, where he was a standout on the diamond. Locklear later enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where he made waves nationally with his potent bat.
At VCU, he was one of the most feared hitters in college baseball. In 2021, he batted .345 with 16 home runs, earning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honors. His combination of power and plate discipline put him on the radar of Major League Baseball scouts.
Draft and Professional Debut
The Seattle Mariners selected Tyler Locklear with the 58th overall pick in the 2nd round of the 2022 MLB Draft. The Mariners were impressed by his power profile, competitive at-bats, and defensive capabilities at first base and third base.
Locklear signed a bonus contract worth approximately $1.27 million, which was close to slot value for his draft position. He was immediately assigned to Seattle’s minor league system, where he began his professional journey.
Minor League Progression
Tyler Locklear’s development in the Mariners’ farm system has been steady and impactful. He played for multiple minor league levels including:
-
Modesto Nuts (Low-A)
-
Everett AquaSox (High-A)
-
Arkansas Travelers (Double-A)
Here are some of his notable stats across the minors (as of July 2025):
| Year | Team | Games | AVG | HR | RBI | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Everett AquaSox | 64 | .291 | 12 | 40 | .392 | .505 |
| 2024 | Arkansas Travelers | 102 | .274 | 19 | 68 | .367 | .480 |
| 2025 | Arkansas Travelers | 78 | .289 | 17 | 54 | .383 | .510 |
Locklear has consistently shown power to all fields, excellent pitch recognition, and a keen eye, walking nearly as often as he strikes out.
Tyler Locklear Fangraphs Prospect Report
Fangraphs Ranking (2025)
As of mid-2025, Fangraphs ranks Tyler Locklear among the Top 10 prospects in the Mariners’ organization. Nationally, he is inching toward the Top 100 MLB prospects list due to his strong offensive production.
Fangraphs Scouting Grades
| Tool | Grade (Future Value) |
|---|---|
| Hit | 50 |
| Power | 60 |
| Run | 40 |
| Arm | 50 |
| Field | 45 |
| Overall FV | 50 |
Summary from Fangraphs:
“Locklear projects as a solid everyday MLB first baseman with above-average power and on-base skills. He lacks elite athleticism, but his bat makes up for it.”
Fangraphs also praises his ability to work counts and generate high exit velocities, projecting a future slash line close to .260/.360/.470 at the major league level.
MLB Pipeline and Other Rankings
According to MLB Pipeline, Locklear currently ranks as the No. 6 prospect in the Mariners’ farm system. Baseball America and Keith Law have also mentioned him in their “Rising Prospects” lists for 2025 due to his sustained offensive production and leadership qualities.
Trade Rumors and Speculation
Is Tyler Locklear on the Trade Block?
With the Mariners in playoff contention and seeking bullpen depth or veteran bats, Tyler Locklear has emerged as a possible trade chip. Teams like the Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Colorado Rockies have reportedly shown interest in the young slugger.
Seattle has a logjam at the corner infield spots, with Ty France, Ryan Bliss, and other prospects competing for limited roles. If the Mariners aim to land a high-leverage reliever or starting pitcher at the deadline, Locklear could be a key piece in trade negotiations.
Possible Trade Destinations
-
Chicago White Sox – Could trade a veteran pitcher for Locklear’s bat.
-
Miami Marlins – Looking for a long-term corner infielder.
-
Pittsburgh Pirates – Rebuilding and want MLB-ready hitters.
Locklear’s performance and club control make him attractive to both contenders and rebuilding clubs.
Projected MLB Debut
Many insiders predict that Locklear could make his MLB debut by late 2025 or Opening Day 2026, depending on the Mariners’ roster moves and injuries. His bat is considered MLB-ready, and with a strong finish in Double-A and a promotion to Triple-A Tacoma, he could find himself on the 40-man roster soon.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
-
Plate Discipline: Rarely chases pitches outside the zone.
-
Power: Plus raw power with a consistent slugging percentage above .500.
-
Versatility: Experience at both first and third base.
-
Work Ethic: High praise from coaches and teammates for his leadership.
Weaknesses
-
Speed: Below-average runner, not a threat on the bases.
-
Defense: Average glove; likely limited to first base at MLB level.
-
Strikeouts: Tendency to strike out against high-velocity pitching.
Tyler Locklear’s Net Worth and Contract
Signing Bonus and Earnings
-
Signing Bonus (2022): $1.27 million
-
Minor League Salary (2023–2025): ~$150,000 total (est.)
Estimated Net Worth (2025)
As of mid-2025, Tyler Locklear’s estimated net worth is around $1.5 million. This includes his signing bonus, minor league salaries, endorsements, and appearance fees.
Potential Future Contracts
If Locklear debuts in MLB and performs well, he could be in line for:
-
Pre-Arbitration Salaries (2026–2028): ~$750K/year
-
Arbitration (2029–2031): Up to $5 million/year
-
Free Agency (2032): If his progression continues, Locklear could secure a multi-year deal worth $50M+, depending on performance.
Comparisons: Who Does Tyler Locklear Resemble?
Several scouts and analysts have compared Locklear’s offensive profile to that of:
-
Rhys Hoskins – Power-hitting first baseman with plate discipline.
-
Luke Voit (prime years) – High power, average defender, aggressive hitter.
-
Christian Walker – Balanced bat and glove, steady contributor.
Locklear’s profile fits the modern MLB slugger mold — with power, walks, and selective aggression.
Off the Field: Personal Life and Interests
Tyler Locklear is known for his grounded personality and leadership in the clubhouse. He often participates in local community events and has expressed interest in youth coaching once his playing days are over.
Locklear is active on social media, particularly Instagram, where he shares training clips, game photos, and support for charitable causes. He’s also partnered with local brands in Seattle and Baltimore for promotional campaigns.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Tyler Locklear
Tyler Locklear represents a key piece of the Seattle Mariners’ future — or that of another MLB club should a trade materialize. With a powerful bat, improved defense, and consistent production, he’s on track to become a reliable corner infielder at the major league level.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Seattle holds onto Locklear or uses him as a bargaining chip to bolster their postseason hopes.
FAQs
Q: What position does Tyler Locklear play?
A: Primarily first base, with some experience at third base.
Q: What is Tyler Locklear’s MLB ETA?
A: Late 2025 or early 2026.
Q: Is Locklear on the Mariners’ 40-man roster?
A: Not yet, but he is a strong candidate for promotion by the end of 2025.
Q: What is Tyler Locklear’s college background?
A: He played at VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University) and was Atlantic 10 Player of the Year.
Q: Has Locklear been involved in any trades?
A: Not yet, but he is frequently mentioned in trade rumors.
