Colt Emerson Named Top Prospect in Seattle Mariners System By Baseball America

The versatile infielder tore up the Arizona Fall League this year, leading to belief that he could be a pillar of the M's for years to come.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, right, and Tiago Viernes announce Colt Emerson as the Seattle Mariners pick during the first round of the MLB Draft at Lumen Field in 2023. / Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners infielder Colt Emerson was named the top prospect in the organization on Monday, per new rankings from Baseball America.

Emerson, 19, was the team's first-round draft pick in 2023. Though he battled injury this past season, he hit .263 across three different levels with a .393 on-base percentage. An excellent contact hitter, he hit 17 doubles, finishing the year at High-A Everett. Emerson tore up the Arizona Fall League as well, really making himself a known commodity throughout the baseball world at large.

NEW 2025 MARINERS TOP 10 PROSPECTS 🚨

Colt Emerson has a hit tool and mature approach at the plate that should see him in a major league lineup sooner rather than later.

See the @Mariners top prospects, new scouting reports & more:https://t.co/f6PmNSXZwa pic.twitter.com/zWzJdei5sR

— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) December 16, 2024

Interestingly enough, Baseball America thinks that Emerson will end up as the team's third baseman of the future.

Emerson projects to be an impact bat with a plus hit tool and zone control, along with average power and an average glove at the hot corner. He plays like someone who is mature beyond his years, and he could reach the major leagues in a hurry as one of the younger debutants.

However, it remains to be seen if Emerson will ever make it to Seattle. Given his prospect pedigree, he'll continue to be a sought-after trade commodity from other teams. As the Mariners operate in a budget-conscious way at the major league-level, the only way for them to get impact talent might be through trading from the farm system.

The Mariners have several infielders in the Top 10 from Baseball America, including Michael Arroyo, Cole Young and Tyler Locklear.

The Mariners have a well-regarded farm system that is currently more position player heavy, as opposed to year's past, when it was dominated by pitching.

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