Mariners Infield Notes: Donovan, Emerson, Bliss

MLB Trade Rumors examines the Seattle infield with a top prospect lurking.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Seattle Mariners' infield is a major focus in spring training, with several key players and prospects vying for starting roles. Brendan Donovan, acquired in a trade, is working at third base early on, while top prospect Colt Emerson could push for a spot on the Opening Day roster despite his young age. Ryan Bliss, who missed most of last season due to injury, is also in the mix for playing time.

Why it matters

The Mariners' infield is a crucial area of focus as the team looks to build on its success from last season. The competition for starting jobs and roster spots will be closely watched, as the team tries to balance its veteran leadership with the development of its top young talent.

The details

Donovan, a solid defender, will likely see time at third base to start the season, with Cole Young the favorite at second base. Top prospect Colt Emerson, a consensus top-10 overall prospect, could earn a spot on the Opening Day roster with a strong spring, potentially pushing Donovan to second base. Ryan Bliss, who missed most of last season due to injury, is also in the mix for playing time after an impressive showing in Triple-A to end the year.

  • Emerson spent the majority of the 2025 season in High-A but earned a late-season cameo at Triple-A Tacoma.
  • Bliss ruptured his left biceps on a swing two weeks into the 2025 regular season and underwent surgery that came with a 4-5 month rehab timeline.
  • Bliss returned to minor league game action in September 2025 but then suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee that required season-ending surgery.

The players

Brendan Donovan

An everyday player acquired by the Mariners in a trade, Donovan is a solid defender who can play second base and the corner outfield positions.

Colt Emerson

A consensus top-10 overall prospect, the 20-year-old shortstop combined for a .285/.383/.458 batting line with 16 homers and 14 steals over 600 plate appearances across three minor league levels in 2025.

Ryan Bliss

A former second-round pick who hit .269/.377/.456 with 12 homers and 50 stolen bases in Triple-A in 2024, Bliss is back to full health this spring after missing most of the 2025 season due to injury.

Cole Young

The favorite to start at second base, Young is a former first-round pick who hit .279/.388/.432 in the minors and is entering his age-22 season.

J.P. Crawford

The Mariners' starting shortstop, Crawford is locked into that position for now, but Emerson is the heir apparent when Crawford hits free agency next winter.

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What they’re saying

“It's not out of the question that he earns a spot on the team.”

— Jerry Dipoto, President of Baseball Operations (MLB.com)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery Employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Mariners will continue to evaluate their infield options throughout spring training, with Emerson's potential promotion and the roster crunch at the end of camp being key storylines to watch.

The takeaway

The Mariners' infield is a deep and talented group, with a mix of veteran leadership and promising young talent. The competition for playing time will be fierce, but it's a good problem for the team to have as it looks to build on its success from last season.