Cole Young saving Mariners from 7-for-78 problem

The promising prospect is swinging it well to start the season.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:07pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, their form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the dynamism and athleticism of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a young Mariners player's dynamic swing, capturing the raw energy and movement of the game.Seattle Today

The Seattle Mariners' three best hitters - Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, and Josh Naylor - have struggled mightily to start the season, going a combined 7-for-78 (.090). However, 22-year-old prospect Cole Young has stepped up, batting .320 with a home run, 4 runs scored, and 4 RBIs. Young's production, along with solid starts from other lower-order hitters, has helped the Mariners withstand the slow start from their stars and manage a 3-4 record so far.

Why it matters

Young's strong start is a promising sign for the Mariners, as he could solidify himself as a long-term piece of their infield if he continues to produce. The Mariners are relying on their young talent to carry the team while their star players work through their early-season struggles.

The details

After a blistering Spring Training, 22-year-old prospect Cole Young has carried that momentum into the regular season, going 8-for-25 (.320) with a home run, 4 runs scored, and 4 RBIs. Young was the Mariners' first-round pick (21st overall) in the 2022 MLB Draft out of North Allegheny High School in Pennsylvania, and he has moved quickly through the system. While not as hyped as fellow prospect Colt Emerson, Young has plenty of potential, and he is currently providing a much-needed boost to the Mariners' lineup.

  • The Mariners' three best hitters - Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, and Josh Naylor - began the season 7-for-78 combined.
  • Through the first 7 games of the season, the Mariners have managed a 3-4 record.

The players

Cole Young

A 22-year-old prospect who was the Mariners' first-round pick (21st overall) in the 2022 MLB Draft out of North Allegheny High School in Pennsylvania. He has moved quickly through the Mariners' system and is currently providing a much-needed boost to the team's lineup.

Cal Raleigh

One of the Mariners' three best hitters, who has struggled to start the season, going 7-for-78 (.090) combined with Julio Rodriguez and Josh Naylor.

Julio Rodriguez

One of the Mariners' three best hitters, who has struggled to start the season, going 7-for-78 (.090) combined with Cal Raleigh and Josh Naylor.

Josh Naylor

One of the Mariners' three best hitters, who has struggled to start the season, going 7-for-78 (.090) combined with Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez.

Colt Emerson

A highly touted Mariners prospect, more hyped than Cole Young.

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What they’re saying

“Seattle's thumpers -- Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez and Josh Naylor -- are a combined 7-for-78 (.090), the type of production that probably would've led to a brutal Opening Week in the win column. Yet, the Mariners were able to withstand those struggles and manage a 3-4 record thanks to the Nos. 6-9 hitters. Entering Wednesday, that group combined for an MLB-best .897 OPS in that stretch. And there are signs that this could be legitimate, especially the showing from the 22-year-old Young, who's continued from a stellar Spring Training.”

— Daniel Kramer, MLB.com writer

What’s next

If Cole Young continues his hot start, he could solidify himself as a long-term piece of the Mariners' infield.

The takeaway

While the Mariners' star players have struggled mightily to start the season, the emergence of young prospect Cole Young has helped the team stay afloat. Young's production, along with solid starts from other lower-order hitters, has been crucial in keeping the Mariners competitive despite the slow start from their biggest bats.