Colt Emerson's future with the Mariners is already secure. He's trying to turn that future into the present as soon as possible.
COMPLETE MARINERS PROSPECT COVERAGE
The Mariners' No. 1 prospect and the No. 7 prospect in MLB hit his second home run of the season on Saturday for Triple-A Tacoma in a 6-4 win over Sacramento. It's was an impressive dinger, too, as the left-handed Emerson went deep against a left-handed pitcher and smoked the ball to the opposite field with an exit velocity of 105 mph. Both of his homers this year have come against same-handed pitchers.
Emerson is batting a modest .258, but he does have a .361 on-base percentage, an .813 OPS and eight extra-base hits in 18 games this season for the Rainiers. He also stole two bases in the victory and is already up to six stolen bases this year after stealing 14 bags in 130 games last season. Each of his steals have come since April 7, showing that the foot injury he suffered on April 4 is a thing of the past.
The 20-year-old has spent most of his time at shortstop this year, although he has played two games at third base and has looked smooth at each spot. No matter where the Mariners ultimately decide to put him, it's evident that Emerson and his 60-grade defense will fit in just fine once he arrives in Seattle.