SEATTLE -- The Mariners have been eyeing Cole Young as their future second baseman, and it looks like that future is arriving fast.
The 22-year-old phenom smashed his first homer of the 2026 season on Friday night, setting the tone for Seattle's first win in what promises to be an exciting season. Young wasn't just swinging for the fences; he was making magic happen in the field too, with four impressive plays contributing to a 5-1 victory over the Guardians. But let's not forget the contributions from Luke Raley, who sent a rocket into the right-field bleachers for the second night in a row, and George Kirby, who dominated with six strong innings.
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The Mariners’ winning formula is straightforward yet effective: a lineup packed with run producers and a rotation filled with All-Stars.
“This is what we do,” said Mariners manager Dan Wilson.
With an exceptionally talented roster, Young is proving to be a crucial piece, elevating the team's performance. Batting near the bottom of the order, he’s not the main run producer, but he’s making sure opposing teams don’t overlook him.
“It felt great to help the team win today,” Young said. “Keeping the momentum from spring training is key.”
Young led the team with six homers in Cactus League play, showcasing his power with towering shots. At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, he surprises many with his strength.
The Mariners have been keen on Young improving his strike zone management and refining his swing. On Friday, he showed just that by crushing a 96.8 mph fastball from Guardians ace Gavin Williams, even when down 0-2 in the count.
That homer came with two outs in the fourth inning, at a time when the Mariners had little going-just one hit and five walks without scoring.
Whether it was last season’s jitters or offseason development, Young’s swing against that pitch was something he hadn’t felt capable of before.
“No, definitely not,” Young admitted. “Routine has been crucial, understanding what I need before the game. Practicing against different fastballs or using foam balls to simulate spin rate has helped.”
Young has been diligent with the Trajekt machine, which simulates opposing pitchers. It’s not a perfect substitute for live action, but it’s become a vital part of his prep, something he didn’t have access to in Triple-A Tacoma.
“I just wanted to get the job done,” Young said. “Avoiding strikeouts and putting the ball in play was my focus.”
Young is trending toward becoming a more complete player, and his fielding on Friday was a testament to his growth.
In the first inning, after Kirby allowed a solo homer to rookie Chase DeLauter, Young made a diving stop on a 95.1 mph grounder from José Ramírez, flashing a smile as he made the throw.
He continued his defensive showcase with plays against Ramírez and DeLauter, handling hard-hit balls with confidence. These solid defensive reps are building his confidence.
“I’ve worked hard in the weight room and focused on mobility,” Young said. “Improving my first step is key, and staying on top of it throughout the long season is essential.”
Young’s performance is a promising sign for the Mariners, indicating that their future is indeed bright.