Is Colt Emerson the Mariners’ Next Highlight Infielder?

Following a disappointing end to the 2024 season, in which the Mariners missed the playoffs, they sought to rebound in 2025. So far, at 72-62, they hold the last wildcard slot, leading by 3.5 games over the next team. In addition to this, the Mariners were busy at the deadline, adding offense left and right. This included Josh Naylor and a reunion with Eugenio Suarez to lock down their corner infield spots. While Naylor has slashed .265/.312/.461 with 11 steals, Suarez has struggled slightly. In 20 games since the deadline, the Mariners have gone 12-8 in those games. This was helped by a 9-1 start after the deadline, with the team going 3-7 since. With Naylor and Suarez’s contracts set to expire at the end of the year, the Mariners look forward to their farm system entering 2026.

Is Colt Emerson the Mariners’ Next Highlight Infielder?

What Is In The Mariners’ Stockpile

After being the Mariners’ first-round pick in 2023, infielder Colt Emerson has shot up their rankings. In his first professional season, Emerson slashed .374/.496/.549 in 24 games across two levels. In addition to that, Emerson only struck out 20 times while drawing a free pass 17 times. He started his 2024 season at the same level before coming down with an injury. This oblique injury forced him to miss just over a month before returning. In the month following, Colt Emerson hit well enough to get promoted to High-A Everett. In 29 games to finish the year, Emerson slashed .225/.331/.317 with 7 XBH.

Starting in 2025 at High-A, Colt Emerson rebounded with a .841 OPS in 90 games at the level. 32 XBH and 54 walks accompanied this. This success led to Emerson’s promotion to Double-A in early August. In a small sample size, he is hitting .253 with a .702 OPS in 19 games thus far. While early struggles are predictable, based on his past results, it would not be a surprise to see him finish the year strong.

What Makes Colt Emerson So Appealing?

At the most basic level, Emerson has a 65-hit grade to go along with both 50 power and 50 run grade. This is due to his smooth, repeatable left-handed swing, which enables him to make solid contact with the barrel. Additionally, his overall.397 OBP in his professional career shows a good eye at the plate to draw walks. His 18% strikeout rate, which would be in the top 25% of all major leaguers, shows good swing decisions, allowing him to work walks. His power has been developing with 12 home runs this year after 6 in the previous two years.

Where Does He Fit In For The Mariners?

While it is highly unlikely that Colt Emerson makes it to the majors within the year, he could be a September call-up in 2026. If the Mariners fail to re-sign Eugenio Suarez, it could free up a spot at third base for the prospect. Current shortstop J.P. Crawford’s contract expires at the end of 2026, which could allow Emerson to play at shortstop. Whether at the hot corner or shortstop, Colt Emerson should provide average to plus defense at either spot on the field. Overall, it will depend on where the organization sees him long-term and whether they re-sign key players; however, either way, Colt Emerson should become a full-time contributor to the team by 2027.