Like J-Rod in '22, Emerson's spring success boosting potential of Opening Day spot

PEORIA, Ariz. -- It wasn’t long ago that Julio Rodríguez was in Colt Emerson’s shoes.

And the Mariners’ front office hasn’t ruled out a similar Spring Training outcome for their No. 1 prospect by MLB Pipeline (No. 9 overall) to the player who held that distinction four years ago -- when Rodríguez played his way onto the Opening Day roster.

“He carries himself well with a good head,” Rodríguez said of Emerson. “He’s humble, always asking questions, not trying to do too much around the clubhouse. He’s just going about his business, and I feel like that’s what we want with young kids coming up -- to feel comfortable around us and for them to feel like they’re going to be part of the team.”

This isn’t a comparison exercise, as both are completely different players -- by position, handedness, background and skill set. But there are parallels to the path that Emerson is on this spring to Rodríguez in 2022.

Emerson is showing intent with the high volume of reps he’s seen in Cactus League play, with his biggest day yet during Thursday’s 8-7 win over the Guardians.

Batting in the No. 9 hole, he legged out an RBI triple over the center fielder’s head (albeit with some help from the sun) in the sixth inning. Playing shortstop, he made an athletic diving catch that ignited a double-up to the runner on second base in the third.

At just 20 years old, the organization -- Rodríguez included -- has raved about Emerson’s maturity more than anything. And it’s not just evident in how he carries himself, but more so in how his play has such purpose every single day here in Arizona.

He devours fundamentals, doesn’t give away at-bats and has a pitch-by-pitch plan -- in the batter’s box and on the field. And he doesn’t get caught up in the what-ifs of when he’ll be in the big leagues.

“We’ve got a really good group here, a lot of great guys, a lot of guys cheering each other on,” Emerson said. “So it's easy to play when you get a bunch of guys cheering you on.”

At the plate, Emerson is now 4-for-11 with three RBIs, one walk and three strikeouts. Only three teammates have had more plate appearances this spring -- Cal Raleigh, Randy Arozarena and Dominic Canzone, all of whom are seeing more reps than usual due to their impending departures for the World Baseball Classic.

That Emerson is essentially seeing as much action as anyone -- with three games at shortstop and two at third base -- illustrates how legitimately the Mariners view him as part of their 2026 plans, even if it’s not by Opening Day.

“I think iron sharpens iron, and being around these guys in this clubhouse, I think, has made me a better player,” Emerson said. “And me embracing how hard it is to play this game, I think, has allowed me to do that.”

As shortstop J.P. Crawford continues to nurse a sore throwing shoulder that’s delayed his spring debut, Emerson could see more reps at the premium position. Crawford’s status is not concerning, and he dealt with something similar last year. While Emerson may be the long-term heir at that position, Crawford is firmly the Mariners’ guy there for 2026.

Elsewhere, Emerson will also continue to work regularly at third base, and he’ll soon see action at second. There will be even more at-bats to go around now that Rodríguez and four others targeted for the Opening Day roster will soon depart for the Classic.

“We talk about versatility being a key for us, and he's displaying that down here,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said. “And it doesn't seem to take away from his at-bats. No matter if he's playing a different position, he's able to kind of leave that out there, and then when he gets to the plate, he’s a different guy.”

This is the time of year where ambition runs high on prospects, and in Emerson's case, he’s showing why.

“It’s been awesome,” Wilson said. “He’s had a really good spring so far.”