The Mariners have agreed to an eight-year, $95 million deal with shortstop prospect Colt Emerson, a source told MLB.com's Daniel Kramer on Tuesday. The club has not confirmed the deal.
The contract would be the largest in history for a player who has yet to debut in the Majors. Emerson, 20, was selected by the Mariners in the first round (22nd overall pick) of the 2023 MLB Draft. He's Seattle's No. 1 prospect and baseball's No. 7 overall, per MLB Pipeline.
Emerson is considered one of the best pure hitters in the Minors, with a smooth lefty swing and a mature approach that leads to consistent barrels and extra-base hits. He also has an excellent knowledge of the strike zone, which keeps his chase rate low and his walk rate high.
COMPLETE MARINERS PROSPECT COVERAGE
In three-plus seasons across multiple Minor League levels, Emerson has hit .288 with 23 homers and an .843 OPS.
On defense, he's proved more than capable at short. His footwork and other mechanics at the position have steadily improved, showing that he should be able to handle the job at the big league level. Observers believe he could also excel at third base, should the Mariners decide to put him there as a way to get him to the Majors sooner.
In three games at Triple-A Tacoma this season, Emerson has hit .357 with a homer and a 1.000 OPS in 14 plate appearances.