Mariners Hope Young Can Solve Second Base Woes

21-year-old Cole Young shows power potential but faces challenges in bid to stabilize Seattle's long-struggling position.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Seattle Mariners are hoping 21-year-old second baseman Cole Young can provide a long-term solution to their ongoing struggles at the position. Young showed flashes of power and plate discipline in his MLB debut in 2025, but also faced issues against fastballs and struggled defensively. As the Mariners aim to build a contender, Young's development will be key to solidifying their middle infield.

Why it matters

The Mariners have cycled through numerous second basemen since trading Robinson Canó in 2019, failing to find a reliable long-term solution. Young represents their latest attempt to stabilize the position and complement a dynamic lineup as the team seeks its first World Series championship.

The details

Young debuted in 2025 and impressed with a .292/.427/.486 slash line over a 26-game stretch, showcasing power and plate discipline. However, he struggled overall with a .211 average and -0.3 fWAR. Young had issues against fastballs and saw his production decline late in the season as his batted ball profile worsened. Defensively, he recorded -9 Outs Above Average and -7 Fielding Runs Above Average across 73 games at second base.

  • Young debuted in the major leagues on May 31, 2025, at 21 years and 306 days.
  • From July 8 to August 15, 2025, Young produced an impressive .292/.427/.486 slash line over 26 games.

The players

Cole Young

A 21-year-old second baseman for the Seattle Mariners who showed flashes of power and plate discipline in his 2025 MLB debut, but also faced challenges against fastballs and struggled defensively.

Robinson Canó

A former Mariners second baseman who was traded prior to the 2019 season, leading to Seattle's ongoing struggles to find a reliable replacement at the position.

J.P. Crawford

The Mariners' starting shortstop, who has been paired with various second base candidates as the team searches for stability up the middle.

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What’s next

If Young can provide solid production at the bottom of the batting order and stabilize second base, the Mariners could be positioned to ascend as a leading contender in the American League.

The takeaway

The Mariners' long-running quest to find a reliable second baseman since trading Robinson Canó rests on the development of 21-year-old Cole Young, who showed promise in his 2025 debut but must address his struggles against fastballs and defensive shortcomings to solidify the position and help the team's championship aspirations.