Mariners Draft Ace Reese With 24th Overall Pick

Overview

• Ace Reese was chosen No. 24 in the first round and, according to reporting, has agreed to an underslot $3.5 million signing bonus with the Mariners on Saturday.
• Reese hit .341 with 45 home runs and 138 RBIs across 118 starts at Mississippi State and posted a career-high 24 homers in 2026, making him one of the top pure power college bats in the class.
• Scouts and Mariners officials describe him as a 'bat-first' left-handed hitter whose offense could play quickly in pro ball but whose long-term defensive home is uncertain.
• The club said Reese missed time with a foot setback in fall and spring but praised his coachability and said the plan is to refine his third-base defense while also evaluating a move to first base or a corner outfield spot if needed.
• Seattle’s reported underslot deal reduces the slot amount for the No. 24 pick and gives the front office flexibility to reallocate bonus-pool money to later picks, a common strategy when taking college hitters with high offensive upside.