The cupboard is fulled to the brim when it comes to the Seattle Mariners farm system. After having produced megastars like Ken Griffey, Jr. and Julio Rodriguez for years, they continue the assembly line of talent heading into 2026. Even as the team comes off a 90-win season and an AL West title, they have a new generation of M’s waiting to write the next few chapters of Seattle’s story.
That starts with top prospect Colt Emerson, a slick-hitting infielder who can play second base, third base, or shortstop. That’s made him valuable to the organization, as they face the harsh reality that either Jorge Polanco or Eugenio Suarez (or both) could depart via free agency this offseason.
Emerson, along with some of his fellow phenoms, is expected to be eased into action over the next couple of seasons. At least, that’s the preferred method of their promotion, according to Mariners president of baseball operations, Jerry Dipoto.
“This is essentially, how do we keep impact bats in the lineup, while we introduce players like Cole Young and Colt Emerson, and Ben Williamson and give them the opportunity while the lineup keeps churning to go win a championship in that given year?” Dipoto said to the Seattle Sports podcast, Bump and Stacy. “And I think that’s the place we are in our current development and we have to figure out how to straddle that line.”
“I think for us, it’s always going to be about making sure that we develop players at the appropriate pace and that we allow them to push people out of the way,” GM Justin Hollander added on the Thanksgiving Day edition of Brock and Salk. “And when they tell us it’s their time, don’t artificially block them, but also then be willing to ride the highs and the lows.”
Colt Emerson has proven himself in the Minor Leagues
Despite the best-laid plans of Seattle’s executives, Colt Emerson is the type of rising star who could shove his way into the starting lineup with a strong Spring. His versatile glove makes him the type of player who could play several different games a week in different spots. And his all-around offensive game is suited to just about any space in the batting order that the Mariners may need.
Last season, the team’s 2024-first round pick hit .285, with 16 home runs, six triples, and 14 stolen bases over three levels of the minor leagues. Emerson, 20, finished in Triple-A and played in the Mariners’ scrimmage games leading up to the postseason.
So, Emerson is acclimated to the big team, and he even impressed some veteran players with his poise and maturity. He’s almost destined to be a factor in the Emerald City as the Mariners look to repeat as division champions in 2026
