PEORIA, Ariz. -- His ‘A’ hacks were among the loudest of the afternoon.
As they echoed on a Peoria Sports Complex back field on Wednesday, each boom audibly showed why the Mariners believe Colt Emerson is knocking on the Major League door.
And with a big Spring Training, it’s possible that he might burst through it by Opening Day.
“It's not out of the question that he earns a spot on the team,” said Jerry Dipoto, Mariners president of baseball operations. “He's always been confident. He's as humble and well-put together as any young player that you'll ever encounter. That gives him the ability to hit the ground running as a big leaguer, when a lot of guys will require time to adjust emotionally.”
MLB Pipeline’s No. 9 overall prospect and Seattle’s No. 1, Emerson will be arguably the leading storyline in camp -- which itself says something, given that the Mariners are legitimate contenders and have some of the sport’s most recognizable players, all of whom will draw more eyes and expectations.
Perhaps it’s that this is the time of year where youngsters take center stage, and a premium is put on potential.
Yet, in Emerson’s case, there’s a captivating combination -- of that lofty intrigue and the possibility that a 20-year-old could emerge as a legitimate piece to what’s being touted among the most complete rosters in the American League.
“I’ve had the experience getting too far ahead of myself, and then that's when I struggle,” Emerson said. “So me being a very, I guess, logical person, it's like, ‘Well, that didn't work, so don't do that.’ So, I've really been working on being grateful for the small things, and I think that has caused me to be very happy with myself, very confident in myself.”
That grounded demeanor is earning respect from the Major League clubhouse, building on last year’s postseason run when Emerson was on the taxi squad, but more to soak in the atmosphere. His personality suggests that he’ll fit in whenever his time comes.
“At the end of day, it's out of my control,” Emerson said. “It's a business, but I'm going to go out there and I'm going to do my best and do everything I can, control what I can control.
"And, you know what? If it's time, it's time. If it's not, it's not. I'm not too worried about it. But I’m going out there and doing what I do and being myself.”
Emerson ascended three Minor League affiliates last year, slashing .285/.383/.458 (.841 OPS) with 16 homers, 28 doubles, six triples, 14 stolen bases and 78 RBIs over 600 plate appearances. He also played in 130 games, by far a career high. A natural shortstop -- Dipoto said he has the skills to stick there -- Emerson spent the offseason also working out at second base and third base.
There’s a decent chance he’ll get up to 50 plate appearances in Cactus League play, given that the Mariners could have as many as 17 players depart mid-camp for the World Baseball Classic.
“Really fun to see his development, and interesting to see him come into this camp,” Dipoto said, “because I think it's the first time that he knows that the Major League line is right there for him to hop over.”
The Mariners aren’t necessarily banking on Emerson finding immediate footing in the way that Julio Rodríguez did in 2022, when the center fielder played his way onto the Opening Day roster, won the AL Rookie of the Year Award and led the charge to snapping a 20-year playoff drought.
COMPLETE MARINERS PROSPECT COVERAGE
But they don’t have to either.
That’s where Brendan Donovan comes in, along with other infielders who will get decent looks this spring, too. Cole Young enters camp in the driver’s seat for the second-base job. Ryan Bliss is healthy after missing nearly all of 2025 with a pair of serious injuries. Miles Mastrobuoni is out of Minor League options. Leo Rivas should land a bench bat job given that he plays everywhere and switch-hits.
There could be a squeeze by Opening Day -- Dipoto said that there’s “a chance that we have to make some uncomfortable short-term decisions” -- but that’s probably a good problem to have. Because it’s clear that when Emerson arrives, they’ll want him to play regularly. It’s also clear that he’ll be in The Show sooner than later.