The buzz around the Seattle Mariners and Ketel Marte was palpable back in December, but it all quieted down before the Arizona Diamondbacks decided to keep their All-Star second baseman in January. The reason? It seems Cole Young's potential has the Mariners convinced he's their future at second base.
According to a report by Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, the Mariners' discussions with Arizona never gained momentum, largely because they were unwilling to part with Young. This decision paints a fascinating picture. The Mariners could have traded for a seasoned three-time All-Star with an impressive 35.6 rWAR, but they chose to protect a rookie who posted just 0.5 rWAR in 2025.
This move speaks volumes about the Mariners' faith in Young. As a top-100 prospect last year, Young, at just 22, showed glimpses of brilliance during a strong stretch last summer, despite a rocky end to his rookie season.
Young's offseason transformation is noteworthy. Inspired by a challenge from Julio Rodríguez, he revamped his diet and added muscle, earning praise from Mariners' GM Jerry Dipoto, who described him as "chiseled."
On Monday, Young demonstrated his improved skills with a slick 4-6-3 double play against the Los Angeles Dodgers, showcasing the footwork he's been honing.
Yet, Young isn't guaranteed the starting spot at second base. He'll need to outperform Colt Emerson and prove he's a better choice than Brendan Donovan, who’s currently set for third base. A key factor will be how Young handles the fastball this spring, as his struggles with four-seamers last season were a glaring issue.
Young remains a gamble, just as he was when he debuted last May. The Mariners' faith in him is a bold leap.
If he delivers, they'll look like geniuses. If not, the "could have had Ketel Marte" storyline might haunt Seattle for years to come.