Mariners Infield Update: Donovan, Emerson, and Bliss Insights
The Seattle Mariners are focusing on their infield as the 2023 season approaches. Key offseason moves have reshaped this area, particularly the re-signing of Josh Naylor and the acquisition of Brendan Donovan. These changes come after losing Jorge Polanco and Eugenio Suárez to free agency, making the infield the most dynamic aspect of the Mariners’ roster. With strong prospects and established players, the team looks poised to create a solid infield lineup.
Current Infield Landscape
As spring training unfolds, the probable starting infield includes Josh Naylor at first base, Cole Young at second base, J.P. Crawford at shortstop, and Brendan Donovan at third base. Naylor and Crawford are secured in their positions, while Donovan aims to become a pivotal player after demonstrating his defensive skills.
Brendan Donovan’s Role
- Brendan Donovan is regarded as a solid defender at second base.
- He has the capability to play corner outfield positions but is better suited for infield roles.
- During his time in 2022-2024, he accumulated 269.2 innings at third base.
Donovan’s future contributions will largely rely on the performance of younger players around him, particularly Cole Young, who had a rough finish to his rookie season but still shows promise.
Cole Young’s Potential
- Cole Young, at 22, is a former first-round draft pick.
- He boasted a .279/.388/.432 batting line in the minors.
- Young is currently expected to start at second base despite a challenging ending to his last season.
The Rising Star: Colt Emerson
The Mariners’ future looks particularly bright with Colt Emerson, a 20-year-old shortstop and 2023 first-round draft pick. He excelled in the minors with a .285/.383/.458 line, featuring 16 home runs and 14 stolen bases across three levels. Emerson’s walk rate approached 12%, while his strikeout rate was below 18%, showcasing his skill at the plate.
- Emerson is a consensus top 10 prospect across major sports outlets.
- He spent most of 2023 in High-A and made a late-season appearance in Triple-A Seattle.
- The Mariners see him as a potential future starter at shortstop once Crawford enters free agency.
Ryan Bliss’s Recovery
Another figure in the crowded infield is Ryan Bliss. The former second-round pick had an impressive 2024 season in Triple-A, hitting .269/.377/.456 with significant stolen base numbers. Unfortunately, he faced setbacks with injuries, including a ruptured left biceps and a meniscus tear, which required surgeries and limited his playing time.
- Bliss is now fully recovered and ready for Spring Training.
- He still has minor league options remaining but could reclaim his position at second base.
Competitive Infield Depth
The Seattle Mariners’ infield depth is noteworthy. Alongside Naylor, Young, Donovan, and Emerson, other players like Leo Rivas are also in the mix. Rivas impressed with a .387 on-base percentage last season, contributing to the playoffs.
As the final roster decisions loom, General Manager Jerry Dipoto acknowledges that some tough calls will have to be made. The competition remains fierce, particularly with the potential promotion of Emerson. Ideally, the Mariners will streamline their roster while supporting their emerging talents and established players.
