The Seattle Mariners enter 2026 with a clear objective. Win now.
Spring training in Peoria has already produced its defining storyline. The battle at second base between Cole Young and Colt Emerson may shape the trajectory of the entire season.
Seattle created this opening when Jorge Polanco signed with the New York Mets in the offseason. Allowing him to depart signaled trust in the farm system while shifting pressure onto two first-round picks. The winner will claim the job at T-Mobile Park. The loser will likely open the season in Tacoma.
Young enters camp as the steadier option. The 22-year-old, drafted 21st overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, has built his case on elite contact skills. He limits swing and miss, controls the strike zone, and logged meaningful time at Double-A Arkansas and Triple-A Tacoma. Evaluators widely view him as big league ready.
Emerson represents the upside play. Drafted 22nd overall in 2023, the 20-year-old accelerated through three minor league levels in 2025. He flashes impact power and projects as a potential middle-of-the-order threat. His rapid ascent forced this competition.
This second base battle is not symbolic. It is structural. President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto and General Manager Justin Hollander are operating within a championship window. The club fell one win short of the World Series last fall. That narrow margin demands precision.
Choosing Young prioritizes stability. He profiles as a high-floor contributor who puts the ball in play and handles routine chances. He fits comfortably behind established run producers. For a contender, reducing volatility matters.
Choosing Emerson signals aggression. He offers a star-level ceiling, and his bat speed can change games. His presence could immediately lengthen the lineup. The risk lies in his age and experience. Few 20-year-olds handle Opening Day assignments without turbulence.
The Mariners insulated themselves by acquiring Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals. Donovan won the National League Utility Gold Glove in 2022 and brings defensive versatility and on-base reliability. Early camp indications suggest the club prefers him at third base or in the outfield. That alignment keeps second base open for youth.
This approach differs from prior seasons. Seattle previously leaned on veterans such as Adam Frazier, Kolten Wong, and most recently Polanco, moves that provided short-term certainty. This time, the youth movement drives the plan.
Spring training games will provide the evaluation window. Cactus League play begins in late February, and coaches will measure quality at-bats, defensive consistency, and situational awareness. The front office must balance upside with readiness.
Young’s advantage lies in his polish. He rarely expands the zone and turns double plays efficiently. In tight contests, managers trust contact hitters. That trust carries weight in March.
Emerson must overwhelm. To win the job at 20, he needs more than flashes. He must demonstrate command of at-bats against veteran pitching. If he does, Seattle gains long-term value immediately.
Roster construction hinges on this outcome. If Emerson claims second base, Donovan can stabilize other positions, deepening the club’s flexibility. If Young secures the role, Emerson will likely return to Triple-A for everyday reps, preserving depth while avoiding rushed development.
The Mariners understand the stakes. While Polanco provided stretches of production, second base has lacked sustained offensive stability in recent seasons. This decision signals a commitment to developing a long-term answer from within.
Peoria now serves as the proving ground. Every workout refines the evaluation, and each exhibition game adds another layer of evidence. The decision will likely come just days before Opening Day, the product of weeks of measured scrutiny.
In a competitive American League, even the slightest advantages frequently distinguish contenders from those who fall short. The competition for the Mariners' second base position illustrates this tension, balancing the need for stability with the potential for future stardom.
Seattle does not have the luxury of hesitation. The 2026 campaign demands immediate impact. Whether Young’s contact or Emerson’s power ultimately anchors the infield will signal how aggressively the Mariners are willing to balance risk and reward within a win-now window.
