Colt Emerson Turning Heads at Mariners Camp, Poised for a Big Leap
The crack of the bat echoed off the backfields in Peoria, and with each swing, Colt Emerson sent a message: He’s not just here for the experience - he’s here to compete. The Mariners’ top prospect is making noise early in Spring Training, and if things break right, he could be making even more of it in Seattle come Opening Day.
“It’s not out of the question that he earns a spot on the team,” said Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners’ president of baseball operations. That’s not just lip service - Emerson’s blend of confidence, humility, and polish has the front office believing he could be ready to make the jump.
Emerson, ranked No. 9 overall by MLB Pipeline and the top prospect in the Mariners’ system, is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines in camp. That’s saying a lot for a team loaded with talent and postseason expectations. But when a 20-year-old starts flashing big-league tools and maturity beyond his years, people take notice - even in a clubhouse full of established stars.
What makes Emerson’s rise so intriguing is the balance he brings - not just in his game, but in his mindset. “I’ve had the experience getting too far ahead of myself, and then that’s when I struggle,” he said.
“So I’ve really been working on being grateful for the small things. That’s made me very happy with myself, very confident in myself.”
That kind of perspective matters, especially for a young player trying to break into the big leagues. Emerson got a taste of the big-league environment last postseason when he joined the Mariners as a taxi squad member. He didn’t suit up, but he soaked in the atmosphere - and that experience is paying off now as he enters camp with both eyes on the moment, not the hype.
“At the end of the day, it’s out of my control,” Emerson said. “It’s a business, but I’m going to go out there and do my best, control what I can control.
If it’s time, it’s time. If it’s not, it’s not.
I’m not too worried about it.”
What’s not up for debate is his production. Last season, Emerson climbed three levels of the Mariners’ farm system, slashing .285/.383/.458 with 16 home runs, 28 doubles, six triples, 14 stolen bases, and 78 RBIs over 130 games - a career high. Those numbers, over 600 plate appearances, paint the picture of a player who’s not just surviving the grind of pro ball - he’s thriving in it.
Primarily a shortstop, Emerson has also been putting in work at second and third base this offseason, adding versatility to his already impressive profile. Dipoto believes he has the chops to stick at short long-term, but the ability to move around the infield could fast-track his path to the majors - especially with the World Baseball Classic potentially pulling 17 Mariners players away from camp mid-spring. That could open the door for Emerson to get up to 50 plate appearances in Cactus League play - a valuable opportunity to prove he belongs.
“Really fun to see his development,” Dipoto said. “It’s interesting to see him come into this camp, because I think it’s the first time that he knows the Major League line is right there for him to hop over.”
The Mariners aren’t necessarily expecting an Opening Day breakout à la Julio Rodríguez in 2022 - when the then-rookie played his way onto the roster, won AL Rookie of the Year, and helped end a two-decade playoff drought. But they also aren’t ruling out the possibility.
Seattle has other infield options ready to compete this spring. Brendan Donovan brings experience and versatility.
Cole Young enters camp as the front-runner for the second base job. Ryan Bliss is healthy again after an injury-plagued 2025.
Miles Mastrobuoni is out of Minor League options, and Leo Rivas, a switch-hitter who can play all over the diamond, is making a strong case for a bench role.
So yeah, there could be a roster crunch by the end of March. Dipoto even acknowledged the team may face “some uncomfortable short-term decisions.” But that’s the kind of problem contending teams want - too much talent, not enough spots.
And when Emerson’s time does come - whether it’s Opening Day or later this season - the expectation is clear: he’ll be playing, not just riding the bench. The Mariners want him to be a regular contributor, and the way things are trending, that moment may not be far off.
For now, Emerson is doing what he does best: staying grounded, staying focused, and letting his bat - and glove - do the talking. If he keeps this up, it won’t be long before he’s doing it under the lights at T-Mobile Park.