The Seattle Mariners are promoting top infield prospect Cole Young this weekend. According to MLB.com reporter Daniel Kramer, Young isn’t on the 40-man roster yet, so the team will need to make some adjustments, including a spot on the active roster. They’re also bringing back pitcher Bryce Miller from the injured list for tomorrow’s game against the Twins.
Young, who hails from Pittsburgh, was drafted in 2022 as the 21st overall pick and signed with Seattle for a $3.3 million bonus. Scouting reports praised his hitting skills and versatility in the infield. While he may not hit for huge power at 5’11”, he’s considered a polished player for his age.
In his first full professional season, Young demonstrated his talent by reaching base nearly 40% of the time across two A-ball teams. Last season in Double-A, he batted .271 with a solid on-base percentage. This season, he’s had a strong showing in the Pacific Coast League, posting a .278 batting average with impressive numbers: .391 on-base percentage and .463 slugging.
Although he struggled initially in Triple-A—hitting just .200 in April—he has turned it around spectacularly. In May, he has been hitting .370, with five home runs and 10 doubles in just over a hundred plate appearances. He’s also managed an impressive ratio of walks to strikeouts, showing his ability to work the count.
Young’s playing time has been split between shortstop and second base, but experts believe he might be better suited for second base in the long run. The Mariners are committed to J.P. Crawford at shortstop, making second base his likely home. With Ryan Bliss recovering from surgery, the opportunity for Young to shine is wide open.
Currently, Miles Mastrobuoni and Dylan Moore have been sharing second base duties. Although Moore started the season strong, his performance has dipped recently. This situation gives Young a good chance to earn game time, especially since he’s showing remarkable improvements.
Young was ranked as a Top 100 prospect earlier this year and qualifies for the Prospect Promotion Incentive. If he excels and finishes in the top two for Rookie of the Year, he could earn a full year of service time. However, if he falls short, he will still remain under team control for six additional seasons.
Overall, the buzz around Young is palpable, and his journey from a first-round draft pick to possibly a significant role in the Mariners’ lineup is something fans are excited about. With the right performance, he could make a lasting impact on the team as they aim for success this season.
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