Mariners’ Colt Emerson Combines First-Round Talent And Drive
Just two weeks after his 18th birthday, lefthanded-hitting shortstop Colt Emerson lined the first pitch of his pro career over the fence for an opposite-field home run.
It kick-started a spectacular pro debut for the Mariners’ top draft pick.
After being selected 22nd overall out of high school, Emerson hit .374/.496/.550 with two home runs in 24 games between the Arizona Complex League and Low-A Modesto.
He drew nearly as many walks as strikeouts, was a perfect 8-of-8 in stolen base attempts and committed just two errors in 91 chances.
“He just hit the ground running,” Mariners farm director Justin Toole said. “He’s got tremendous makeup, he’s got tremendous talent, and obviously he showed that.”
Emerson helped lead Modesto to the California League title, batting .302 in 16 regular season games and then going 11-for-20 in the playoffs.
The Ohio native showcased his polished hitting ability with a consistent approach, excellent bat-to-ball skills and a smooth swing that allows him to make frequent hard contact to all fields.
Emerson is more of a line-drive hitter, but the Mariners believe he has power potential. He consistently hit the ball hard in his pro debut, posting an average exit velocity of 89 mph and a 90th percentile EV of 105 mph.
“I think as he continues to develop as a hitter, you’ll start to see (the power) a little bit more,” Toole said. “He’s a young kid. He’s getting stronger. He’s getting bigger. That’s obviously gonna help.
“But just as he gets more familiar with the pro game and how pitchers are pitching to him and things like that . . . I think that power is gonna come.”
Toole also raved about Emerson’s work ethic.
“He’s very detail-oriented,” Toole said. “He’s got a routine and he sticks to it. He’s extremely driven, extremely passionate. He always talks about how much he enjoys just the monotonous things of taking ground balls and hitting in the cage.
“And when you get a guy with his talent that takes the details that seriously, it’s pretty exciting.”
MARINADE
— The Mariners’ international signings were headlined by 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Dawel Joseph, who is considered one of the top shortstops in this year’s signing class. He adds even more shortstop talent to a farm system that already includes Emerson, Cole Young, Felnin Celesten, Michael Arroyo and Tai Peete.
— The Mariners acquired 20-year-old righthander Cole Phillips as part of the Dec. 3 trade that sent outfielder Jarred Kelenic to the Braves. Phillips was drafted by the Braves in the second round in 2022 despite having Tommy John surgery several months prior. The 6-foot-3 Texas native was touching the upper 90s before his injury.
