The Seattle Mariners' farm system has been a hotbed of talent in recent years, but their presence on Baseball America’s first Top 100 prospects list for the 2026 season reflects a bit of a shift. After placing eight players on the list in the final update last August, the Mariners enter the new year with just four names in the top 100. That’s a noticeable drop - but context matters.
Seattle’s most notable subtraction came via trade, as catcher Harry Ford (ranked No. 99 in the new rankings) was dealt to the Nationals in exchange for left-handed reliever Jose A. Ferrer.
Meanwhile, outfielders Michael Arroyo and Jonny Farmelo, along with switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje, all fell out of the rankings. Arroyo, however, wasn’t far off - he landed on Baseball America’s list of 20 prospects who just missed the cut.
According to Baseball America’s JJ Cooper, Arroyo’s drop from No. 60 last year came largely due to questions surrounding his defensive transition from second base to left field - a move the organization hopes will accelerate his path to the majors.
Still, the Mariners’ system remains rich in high-upside talent. Let’s take a closer look at the four players who cracked the top 100 and where they stand heading into 2026.
Colt Emerson - No. 7 Overall
Emerson is the headliner, and for good reason. The 2023 first-round pick tore through three levels of the minors in his age-19 season, slashing .285/.383/.458 with 28 doubles, six triples, 16 homers, and 78 RBIs over 130 games. He also showed advanced plate discipline, drawing 71 walks to go with 105 strikeouts, and swiped 14 bases for good measure.
What makes Emerson’s rise even more impressive is how he closed the year - going 8-for-22 with two homers in a brief six-game stint at Triple-A. That kind of finish has him knocking on the door of the big leagues, and at just 20 years old, he’ll be a name to watch closely during spring training. Even if he doesn’t break camp with the big club, it would be a surprise not to see him in a Mariners uniform at some point this season.
Kade Anderson - No. 25 Overall
Anderson didn’t throw a pitch in the minors after being drafted last July, but don’t let that fool you - he’s one of the most polished arms in the 2025 draft class. A key piece of LSU’s national championship run, Anderson posted a 12-1 record with a 3.18 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and an eye-popping 180 strikeouts over 119 innings in 19 starts.
The lefty’s college workload was substantial, which is why the Mariners opted for rest over reps in his first pro summer. But with his command, pitch mix, and big-game experience, Anderson is widely viewed as one of the most MLB-ready arms from his class. His debut could come sooner than later - and when it does, expect him to compete right away.
Lazaro Montes - No. 58 Overall
If you’re looking for raw power, Montes is your guy. The 21-year-old outfielder mashed 32 home runs last season - the third-most in the minors - and finished with a .241/.354/.504 slash line across 131 games between High-A and Double-A.
Montes’ power is legit, but his transition to Double-A came with some growing pains. He hit just .213 over 64 games in the Texas League, a notoriously tough environment for hitters.
Still, his ability to draw walks (83 on the year) and slug at an elite level keeps him firmly in the Mariners’ plans. If he can make the necessary adjustments to handle advanced pitching, he could force his way into the big league conversation before season’s end.
Ryan Sloan - No. 60 Overall
Sloan flew a bit under the radar when the Mariners selected him in the second round of the 2024 draft, but he made sure people took notice in his first pro season. Over 21 starts between Single-A and High-A, the 6-foot-5 right-hander posted a 3.73 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 90 strikeouts to just 15 walks across 82 innings.
At just 19 years old, Sloan is still in the early stages of his development, but his polish and poise on the mound hint at a fast track. While he hasn’t pitched above High-A yet, his combination of size, command, and feel for pitching gives him a real shot to climb quickly. A big league debut in 2026 isn’t out of the question - especially if he continues to build on last year’s momentum.
Final Thoughts
Yes, the Mariners saw their Top 100 representation trimmed in half, but that doesn’t mean the pipeline has dried up. Emerson looks like a cornerstone in the making, Anderson could be a fast-moving starter, Montes brings game-changing power, and Sloan is a name to keep tabs on as the season unfolds.
The Mariners may not have the volume of top-tier prospects they boasted last summer, but the quality at the top is undeniable - and that could pay dividends in Seattle sooner rather than later.