Mariners stay local, pick Tuiasosopo

SEATTLE — Matt Tuiasosopo has a big decision to make. Either way, he gets to play for one of his favorite teams.

Tuiasosopo, a standout quarterback who has signed to play college football at Washington this fall, was chosen by the Seattle Mariners as a shortstop in the third round of Monday’s baseball draft.

A senior at suburban Woodinville High School, Tuiasosopo was the 93rd overall selection — Seattle’s first pick in the draft.

“I’m happy the Mariners selected me where they did,” Tuiasosopo said at a Safeco Field news conference. “It’s a good fit, a local fit. My family is excited and I am too because they were my favorite team growing up.”

Tuiasosopo is the younger brother of Oakland Raiders quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo, who led Washington to a Rose Bowl title in 2001. Another brother, Zach, currently plays fullback for the Huskies.

Their father, Manu, played in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. A sister, Leslie, was a standout volleyball player at Washington and now is an assistant coach with the Huskies.

It remains to be seen which sport Tuiasosopo will pursue. After meeting with his family and advisers, he hopes to make a decision in coming days. He hasn’t signed with the Mariners yet, saying he will play football if he doesn’t sign a contract.

Seattle gave up its first- and second-round picks by signing free agents Eddie Guardado and Raul Ibanez in the off season.

In the fourth round, the New York Mets selected Washington catcher Aaron Hathaway, while WSU pitcher Bryce Chamberlin was taken in the sixth by Baltimore.