Mariners sign fourth-round draft pick John Hicks

The Mariners announced Friday that they have signed fourth-round draft pick John Hicks, a catcher from the University of Virginia.

The Mariners have now signed 32 of the 51 players they selected in the June draft. Hicks is the only player taken among Seattle’s first five picks to have signed.

Hicks, 21, started all 68 games for the Cavaliers as a junior last season and hit .332 with eight home runs and 59 RBIs. In three seasons at Virginia, he hit .316 with 24 home runs and 146 RBIs.

Hicks was one of seven catchers the Mariners drafted last month, and one of three players from the University of Virginia. Left-hander Danny Hultzen (first round) and third baseman Steven Proscia (seventh round), both former teammates of Hicks, have not yet signed.

Hicks will report to Single-A Clinton on Friday.