The Seattle Mariners don’t have a lot of question marks heading into spring training - and that’s a good thing. Most of their roster is locked in, the core is intact, and expectations are high. But there’s one intriguing storyline to keep an eye on in Peoria: a position battle at second base between two of the organization’s most exciting young talents.
Cole Young and Colt Emerson - both former first-round picks - are set to compete for the starting job at second. It’s a classic case of experience versus upside. Young has already had a taste of the big leagues, while Emerson, the more highly touted of the two, is knocking on the door after a meteoric rise through the minors.
Let’s set the stage. Emerson, ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect in baseball, is coming off a 2025 season that turned heads across the league.
At just 20 years old, he flew through three levels of the minors, showing off the kind of advanced approach at the plate that scouts dream about. He’s a pure hitter, plain and simple - and the Mariners know it.
Young, meanwhile, was Seattle’s first-round pick in 2022 and has steadily worked his way up the ladder. He may not have Emerson’s national prospect buzz, but he’s no slouch.
He’s already logged time with the big club and brings a polished, reliable presence to the infield. That early MLB experience could give him a slight edge heading into camp.
This is the kind of competition that front offices love to have - not a scramble to fill a hole, but a battle between two high-upside players who could both be long-term contributors. It's not just about who wins the job on Opening Day. It's about who fits best in a lineup that’s built to contend now, and who can grow into a foundational piece for years to come.
The Mariners aren’t just playing for a postseason spot - they’re chasing a World Series berth, something that’s eluded the franchise since its inception. Last year, they came heartbreakingly close, falling just short in the ALCS after a late-game collapse against Toronto. That loss still stings, but it also fuels a team that knows it's right on the cusp.
And that’s where Emerson could be a game-changer. If he shows this spring that he’s ready - not just to hold his own, but to impact games - he could elevate this roster in a big way.
He’s expected to get plenty of opportunities in Cactus League action, and every plate appearance will matter. The Mariners aren’t in the business of waiting around.
If Emerson proves he belongs, they’ll find a way to get his bat in the lineup.
Whether it’s Young holding down the job or Emerson forcing his way in, Seattle’s in a great spot. This isn’t about patching together a solution - it’s about choosing between two legitimate talents, both of whom could be part of the Mariners’ long-term future. For a team with its eyes on October, that’s exactly the kind of depth you want.