Mariners Announce Disappointing News at Spring Training

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Mar 21, 2026 6:46 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners future remains bright as the organization is positioned to contend in the American League for years to come. Not only has the team locked up most of its core players, catcher Cal Raleigh, center fielder Julio Rodriguez and first baseman Josh Naylor, but the farm system remains one of the best in MLB.

The club’s top prospect, Colt Emerson, projects to be a future star in the infield, likely at shortstop or third base. Emerson joined the organization during the 2023 MLB Draft when Seattle selected him in the first round.

He has dominated the minor leagues since, owning a .287 batting average, .398 on‑base percentage and .840 OPS with 22 home runs and 128 RBIs over the last three years.

Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson (6)© Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Emerson carried that production into spring training this year, hoping his performance could push him onto the Opening Day roster. The 20‑year‑old infielder appeared in 18 games and posted a .268 batting average, .340 on‑base percentage, .828 OPS, two home runs and eight RBIs, further strengthening his case.

The decision also seemed more realistic given that starting shortstop J.P. Crawford’s status for Opening Day remains uncertain. Mariners manager Dan Wilson told reporters Thursday that Crawford’s availability is still in question (h/t Manny Randhawa of MLB.com).

With all that context, Seattle’s roster move on Saturday was incredibly disappointing with Opening Day just one week away. The team announced on X that Emerson had been reassigned to minor‑league camp and would not begin the year at the big‑league level.

The @Mariners Spring Training Roster is now at 36 players:

32 on 40-man roster
3 non-roster invitees
1 on 60-day IL pic.twitter.com/2G63PIHPwR
— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) March 21, 2026

This is a tough development for Mariners fans who hoped Emerson could break camp with the team and flourish immediately. It now appears that even if Crawford is not ready, Seattle will turn to utility man Leo Rivas instead.

Emerson’s MLB debut could still come at some point this season, but the organization clearly wants him to continue developing before taking on an everyday role.

For now, the Mariners will open the season without their top prospect, delaying what many believe will be the arrival of their next homegrown All-Star.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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