The Seattle Mariners made a couple of under-the-radar moves during the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft on Wednesday, adding depth to their farm system while also losing a promising arm. The activity came as part of the annual draft held during the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida – a stage where teams often take fliers on overlooked talent in hopes of uncovering the next hidden gem.
With the 20th pick in the minor league phase, Seattle selected first baseman Carson Taylor from the Philadelphia Phillies’ system. Later, they added right-handed pitcher Sean Hermann from the Yankees with pick No.
- But the Mariners also saw one of their own head out the door, as right-hander Cole Phillips was taken by the Milwaukee Brewers at No.
Let’s break down what these moves mean and who these players are.
Carson Taylor: A Bat-First Catcher-Turned-First Baseman
Carson Taylor, 26, brings a bat that’s shown flashes of real potential, particularly at the Double-A level. Originally drafted in the fourth round by the Dodgers in 2020 out of Virginia Tech, Taylor came up as a catcher but has shifted primarily to first base since 2024 – a move likely influenced by both team needs and his defensive profile.
Injuries limited him to just three games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2025, but when healthy, he’s been productive. Across nine total Triple-A games in his career, Taylor is hitting a scorching .423 (11-for-26) with a homer and two doubles. While that’s a small sample size, it’s a glimpse of what he might offer with more consistent playing time.
His 2024 campaign at Double-A Reading is where the intrigue really starts. Taylor slashed .277/.389/.465 with an .854 OPS, 16 home runs, 16 doubles, and five stolen bases in 109 games.
The plate discipline stands out – 96 strikeouts to 67 walks – suggesting a hitter with a solid approach and the ability to get on base at a strong clip. That blend of power and patience is exactly what organizations look for in potential depth bats, especially at corner infield spots.
For the Mariners, Taylor provides a left-handed bat with some pop and on-base skills who could either serve as organizational depth or potentially push for a bigger role if his bat continues to play.
Sean Hermann: A Young Arm With Relief Upside
Seattle’s second pick, Sean Hermann, is a 22-year-old righty who spent the 2025 season in the Yankees’ Single-A affiliate in Tampa. A 14th-round pick out of high school in 2021, Hermann has been brought along slowly, and 2025 marked his most extensive action to date.
He made 37 appearances out of the bullpen, posting a 3.17 ERA and a 1.307 WHIP over 59 2/3 innings. He struck out 45 while walking 33 – numbers that suggest he’s still refining his command but has enough stuff to miss bats.
At this stage, Hermann is a developmental arm, but the Mariners have shown a knack in recent years for identifying and polishing bullpen talent. He’s young, has experience in relief, and could be a candidate to move up quickly if he sharpens his control.
Cole Phillips: A Tough Loss, But a Calculated Risk
On the other side of the ledger, Seattle lost right-hander Cole Phillips to the Brewers. Phillips, 22, was acquired in the 2023 trade that sent Jarred Kelenic to the Braves. A second-round pick by Atlanta in 2022, Phillips has yet to throw a pitch in a professional game after undergoing two Tommy John surgeries.
There’s no question the upside is there – Phillips was a high school standout with a big fastball before injuries derailed his early career. But with so much uncertainty around his health and long-term durability, the Mariners took the risk of leaving him unprotected, and Milwaukee pounced.
If Phillips can finally get healthy, he could be a long-term play for the Brewers. But for now, he remains a project.
Local Note: Justin Armbruester Heads to the Mets
One name of local interest was also on the move. Justin Armbruester, a product of Eastside Catholic and Pacific Lutheran University, was selected 15th overall by the New York Mets from the Orioles’ system. Armbruester was originally drafted by Baltimore in the 12th round back in 2021.
Rule 5 Draft Mechanics: A Quick Refresher
The minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft operates a bit differently than the major league phase. Players selected in this portion are acquired for $24,000 and are not subject to roster restrictions with their new clubs. That allows teams to add depth without the pressure of keeping a player on the active roster all season, as is required in the MLB phase.
Speaking of which, 13 players were taken in the MLB portion of the Rule 5 Draft this year. The Mariners were among 18 teams that passed, while the White Sox were the only club to make two picks. Players selected in the major league phase must remain on the 26-man roster or injured list all season, or else be offered back to their original team.
Final Thoughts
For the Mariners, the moves made Wednesday are more about long-term upside than immediate impact. Taylor has the kind of offensive profile that could make him a contributor down the road, especially if he continues to hit like he did in 2024. Hermann is a developmental bullpen arm with some intrigue, and while losing Phillips stings, the team likely weighed the health risks and made a calculated decision.
These aren’t headline-grabbing transactions, but they’re the kind of roster-building moves that can pay dividends in a year or two. And for a Mariners organization that continues to emphasize player development, every addition – or subtraction – matters.
