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Rookie Cole Young Sparks Mariners Amid Slow Start for Stars
Young's hot hitting helps offset struggles of Seattle's top hitters to start the season.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:10pm
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The Seattle Mariners' three best hitters - Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Josh Naylor - have struggled mightily to start the 2026 season, combining for just 7 hits in 78 at-bats (.090 batting average). However, rookie Cole Young has stepped up, batting .320 (8-for-25) to help keep the Mariners afloat early on.
Why it matters
The Mariners were expected to contend for a playoff spot this season, but the slow starts from their top offensive players could derail those hopes if it continues. Young's emergence as a productive hitter has been crucial in offsetting the struggles of the team's stars and keeping the Mariners competitive in the early going.
The details
Through the first week of the season, Raleigh, Rodríguez, and Naylor - the Mariners' three best hitters - have combined to go just 7-for-78 (.090) at the plate. In contrast, rookie Cole Young has been a bright spot, batting .320 (8-for-25) with a home run and 4 RBIs to help keep the Mariners competitive.
- The Mariners' season began on April 1, 2026.
The players
Cole Young
A rookie outfielder for the Seattle Mariners who has emerged as a key contributor early in the 2026 season.
Cal Raleigh
The Mariners' starting catcher, one of the team's top offensive players who is off to a slow start this season.
Julio Rodríguez
The Mariners' star center fielder, one of the team's best hitters who is struggling mightily to begin the 2026 campaign.
Josh Naylor
The Mariners' starting first baseman, another of the team's top offensive threats who has yet to find his swing this season.
What’s next
If the Mariners' star hitters continue to struggle, the team may need to rely even more heavily on Cole Young's production to stay competitive in the early part of the season.
The takeaway
While the Mariners' top offensive players have gotten off to a dismal start, rookie Cole Young has stepped up to provide a much-needed spark for the team. Young's hot hitting has helped offset the struggles of the team's stars and keep the Mariners in contention early on.
