Colt Emerson Leads Mariners' Non-Roster Invitees for Spring Training

The 21-year-old shortstop prospect looks to make the big league roster in 2026.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:55pm

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Colt Emerson, the Mariners' first-round draft pick in 2023, is set to be one of the top storylines of the team's spring training. The 21-year-old shortstop prospect has been tearing it up in the minors and is looking to earn a spot on the big league roster for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

Emerson is considered one of the best prospects in baseball and his performance this spring could determine whether he breaks camp with the Mariners or needs more seasoning in the minors. As the team's top prospect, his development is crucial to the Mariners' long-term success.

The details

In 2025, Emerson hit .285 with 16 home runs and 78 RBIs across multiple minor league levels. He played 90 games with the Everett AquaSox, 34 games with the Arkansas Travelers, and six games with the Tacoma Rainiers in his third pro season. While he wasn't on the Mariners' September roster last year, the team is looking to focus on his development this spring, with the goal of potentially having him as the starting second or third baseman on Opening Day.

  • Emerson will be looking to make the Mariners' roster out of spring training in the next couple of weeks.
  • In 2025, Emerson played across three minor league levels.

The players

Colt Emerson

A 21-year-old shortstop prospect and the Mariners' first-round draft pick in 2023, who is looking to earn a spot on the big league roster this spring.

Julio Rodriguez

The Mariners' star outfielder who will represent the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Jared Kelenic

Another top Mariners prospect who has received significant national hype in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“Emerson is just going to be one of the biggest stories of spring training.”

— Jordan Shusterman, MLB analyst

What’s next

Emerson will look to have a strong performance in spring training and earn a spot on the Mariners' Opening Day roster.

The takeaway

The Mariners' top prospect, Colt Emerson, is poised to be one of the biggest stories of the team's spring training as he looks to break camp with the big league club and potentially earn a starting role for the 2026 season.