Eugene Helder promoted to A Full Season

Aruba native Eugene Helder has been promoted to the Clinton LumberKings by the Seattle Mariners organization. Last year, Helder spent most part at A-Short Season with the Everett AquaSox.

Next to the seventy games with Everett, Helder also had a cup of coffee with the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA, Pacific Coast League) but that promotion was merely to fill a roster spot of the Mariners’ AAA affiliate.

Eugene broke into professional baseball in 2014 when he was sent to the now-defunct Venezuelan Summer League. In the next two seasons he also spent time at rookie level in the DSL. But last season, he was moved up in the system and had a helluva year with the AquaSox.

In 70 games at the Northwest League, Helder hit .304 with 87 singles, 14 doubles, 5 triples and 2 home runs. On the defensive side, Helder served in a utility role as he played all infield positions and also spent time in right- and left field. Overall he committed eleven errors with the AquaSox, of which the most at third base (six).

Despite spending two seasons in the DSL, the 22-year old is moving fast through the Mariners’ Minor League system. If he can keep up this pace, he may knock on the door of the Bigs in three or four years.