Gahanna Lincoln and Kentucky first baseman Evan White was selected by the Seattle Mariners with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft on Monday night.

White is considered an elite athlete for a first baseman and has played some outfield during a stint with USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team last summer. Seattle director of amateur scouting Scott Hunter said the organization will keep White at first base, although he could someday play the outfield if needed. The Mariners expect to have White signed soon and will likely assign him to Single-A Everett to start his career.

Hunter raved about White's defensive ability, saying the organization is in "no rush to move him off first base."

White, who bats right-handed but throws lefty, hit. 373 with 10 homers and 41 RBIs in 53 games this season for Kentucky. White was a second-team all-SEC selection and a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award.