‘Not Out of the Question’ Mariners Top Prospect Colt Emerson Earns Opening Day Spot

The Seattle Mariners first round pick from 2023, Colt Emerson, is making waves in big league camp in 2026. Heading into this season, he ranks No. 9 overall per MLB Pipeline and one of the best shortstop prospects.

Spring training is still early, so things remain fluid. Recent coverage describes his path as "well within reach," drawing direct parallels to how Julio Rodríguez forced his way onto the roster in 2022. So far in spring action, he is 4-for-11 (.364) with a triple and three RBI. He certainly is making a good impression thus far in camp. Only four Mariners hitters have produced a faster exit velocity this spring than Emerson’s 111.6 MPH. Is he set to make the Opening Day roster?

Jerry DiPoto, Mariners president of baseball operations told the media earlier in the spring, “It's not out of the question that he earns a spot on the team.” Mariners star outfielder Julio Rodriguez, having gone through this process himself, is impressed with Emerson. “He carries himself well with a good head,” Rodriguez said of Emerson. “He’s humble, always asking questions, not trying to do too much around the clubhouse. He’s just going about his business.”

Experts vary in their opinion. Many feel that Emerson will begin the season in the minors. ESPN’s Buster Olney told Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy, “I would be surprised if he’s not in the big leagues by May 15.” That date is key because that means the Mariners could hold onto Emerson a year longer under team control versus if he makes the club out of Spring Training.

"I think iron sharpens iron, and being around these guys in this clubhouse, I think, has made me a better player."

MLB's No. 9 prospect Colt Emerson has impressed many during #Mariners camp -- including Julio Rodríguez -- as he seeks an Opening Day spot: https://t.co/8tmNkGcoLs pic.twitter.com/txcUEAXMzi— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) February 27, 2026

However, if Emerson is breaking down the door with a hot spring, it may be hard for the Mariners to justify such a move. “Service time manipulation” does not usually sit well in the clubhouse. The Mariners didn’t do such a thing with Julio Rodriguez, showing a willingness to forgo that service time loophole.

Obviously, part of the fit is where he slides in defensively. While he is mostly a shortstop prospect, some projections suggest he may be better off switching to third base. J.P. Crawford is still entrenched as the everyday shortstop in Seattle. However, he enters the final year of his current deal with the Mariners.

Third base isn’t exactly wide open either. Seattle traded for Cardinals’ impact infielder Brendan Donovan on February 2. The four-year veteran and 2025 All-Star will play third base in Seattle.

Emerson has not yet played second base this spring, but that also might be his best chance to crack the Opening Day starting lineup. Cole Young is expected to start the season as the second baseman but he does not have the veteran longevity as Crawford and Donovan.

Also, it doesn’t make a lot of sense for Emerson to start the season in the big leagues if he will just ride the bench to start the season. He is only 20 years old with 27 plate appearances at any level above Double-A. The shortstop needs playing time and at bats. He likely would not receive that consistently if he makes the big league roster right away.

Odds are, Emerson starts the season in Triple-A. Just with the lack of an obvious defensive opening for him on the MLB roster, and his need for consistent playing time to further his development, it makes sense. However, if he continues to bat north of .350 with a knack for extra-base hits in the spring, that conversation will get much tougher heading towards late March.