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I think that was just a lot of fans and analysts trying to justify taking a prep catcher who was considered a reach over the high upside arms that were there for the taking (Paxton, Scheppers, Brothers, Oliver, etc etc). In the end, as mentioned, he wasn't a bargain pick, and cost about slot if I remember correctly. Cheaper than some of those arms? Sure. But not enough to justify if you're going for the best player available.
Of course, maybe the Mariners thought they got the best player available.