Mariners Lock Up Top Prospect Emerson with Historic Deal

0:00It's April 1st. Welcome to Seattle Mariners News today, AI-powered coverage of your squad. The Seattle Mariners just locked up their top prospect, Colt Emerson, with an 8-year, 95-million-dollar contract that runs through the. 2033 season, and it includes a club option for a 9th year in 2034. Escalators could push the total value to 130 million. This is historic. It's the biggest deal ever for a player with zero major league service time. Emerson, the number 7 prospect on MLB Pipelines top 100 list, is still grinding in triple A with the Tacoma Rainiers. Emerson got drafted 22nd overall in the 2023 MLB draft, and he turned heads this spring with a strong showing at third base, hitting 276 over 18 Cactus League games. The 20-year-old shortstop has real potential to stick around the big club soon, but the Mariners aren't rushing in. Mariners and analysts are stunned by the massive commitment before his debut, and some worry

1:00it might rev veterans the wrong way in the clubhouse. Mariners exec Jerry DePoto, and manager Dan Wilson shut that down quick, saying it's no issue at all. Right now, Leo Rivas is holding shortstop. Cole Young is at 2nd, and JP Crawford is rehabbing a shoulder injury to reclaim his spot there soon. Emerson slated to play third base tonight against El Paso at 6.05pm, Pacific Time in Tacoma. DePoto says there are no hurry for a call-up, but expect him to make waves this season, maybe shuffling the infield creatively. Emerson skipped the pressur to focus on the field, dropping a statement about his love for the organization, teammates, staff, and Seattle fans, while he and his family want to stay long-term. This move sets up the Mariners' future solid.