Mariners GM says infield prospect is 'showing us he's ready'

After a tough 2025 season, Cole Young has bounced back and is competing for a starting job in Seattle

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Seattle Mariners general manager Justin Hollander says that infield prospect Cole Young has made significant improvements in the offseason and is now ready to compete for a starting job in the big leagues. Young struggled in his MLB debut in 2025 but has impressed in spring training with his improved conditioning, throwing, and approach at the plate.

Why it matters

The Mariners have high hopes for the 22-year-old Young, who is part of the team's future core. If he can build on his strong spring and earn a starting role, it would give the Mariners a boost as they aim to contend for a playoff spot in 2026.

The details

After hitting just .211 with 4 home runs and 41 RBIs in his MLB debut in 2025, Young has come to spring training in much better shape. Mariners GM Hollander says Young is 'moving better, throwing better, and will be able to maintain a more consistent approach and get to pitches he struggled with at the end of last season when he was tired.'

  • Young started the 2025 season as the Mariners' starting second baseman.
  • In the 2025 season, Young hit .211 with 4 home runs, 41 RBIs, and 1 stolen base.
  • Young has impressed the Mariners this spring training with his improved conditioning and performance.

The players

Cole Young

A 22-year-old infield prospect for the Seattle Mariners who struggled in his MLB debut in 2025 but has bounced back with an impressive spring training performance.

Justin Hollander

The general manager of the Seattle Mariners, who has praised Young's offseason improvements and believes he is now ready to compete for a starting job in the big leagues.

Colt Emerson

A Mariners player who has been playing well enough in spring training that he is almost a lock to make the team's opening day roster.

Ryan Bliss

A Mariners player who is competing with Young for a spot on the team's opening day roster.

Leo Rivas

A Mariners player who is competing with Young for a spot on the team's opening day roster.

Miles Mastrobuoni

A Mariners player who is competing with Young for a spot on the team's opening day roster.

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What they’re saying

“I think he really changed his body this offseason. I'm really proud of what he did in the offseason. He's moving better, he's throwing better, and I think you'll see him be able to maintain consistent bat speed, [a] consistent approach, and get to some pitches that he maybe didn't get to at the end of last season when he was tired and kind of the league had exposed a small hole from him.”

— Justin Hollander, Mariners General Manager (Seattle Sports)

“I think he's showing us that he's ready to play in the big leagues and ready to just take the job and run with it. Really excited. What he needed to do, he did, which is the work in the offseason. He checked that box for sure.”

— Justin Hollander, Mariners General Manager (Seattle Sports)

What’s next

Young will continue to compete for a starting job at second base during the remainder of spring training, with the Mariners needing to make final roster decisions before opening day.

The takeaway

After a disappointing 2025 season, Cole Young has put in the work this offseason to position himself as a key part of the Mariners' future. If he can carry his strong spring training performance into the regular season, it would be a significant boost for a Mariners team with championship aspirations.