The kid has not yet been promoted to the Mariners. I don't get it.

He was drafted late first round in 2023 and was sent straight to minors where he excelled.

https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/prospect-colt-emersons-95-million-contract-worth-risk-for-mariners/

That’s a lot of money.

But the risk here is more than that.

The Mariners must also manage a potentially uncomfortable clubhouse dynamic, as the 20-year-old Emerson — who will remain in Triple-A Tacoma for the time being — makes more per year than franchise mainstays Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryan Woo, Brendan Donovan, Andrés Muñoz and J.P. Crawford (who he’s expected to eventually succeed at short). The team’s typically immaculate chemistry is critical in maneuvering the dips and detours in a six-month marathon.

Jerry Dipoto on the “groundbreaking” extension for Colt Emerson. pic.twitter.com/gJULLfDxN1

— Adam Jude (@A_Jude) March 31, 2026

"It’s on the Mariners’ leadership — manager Dan Wilson, standouts Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez, etc. — to ensure Emerson’s dollar signs don’t upset the team’s existing equilibrium. And upon promotion, it’s on Emerson to earn the respect of his coaches and teammates and work like he’s making the major-league minimum.

Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto and general manager Justin Hollander undoubtedly understand the risks. In 2019 they awarded a six-year, $24 million extension to first baseman and former first-round draft pick Evan White, whose defensive brilliance had yet to play past Double-A. Though he earned a Gold Glove with Seattle in 2020, White’s career was quickly sunk by injuries and offensive inconsistency. He last played in the majors in 2021, was traded to Atlanta in 2023 and is a free agent.

Or, consider another player projected to be Crawford’s successor. The Phillies drafted Scott Kingery in the second round in 2015 and awarded him a six-year, $24 million contract before Kingery reached the majors. After the two split time at shortstop in 2018, Crawford was traded to Seattle, and Kingery — put simply — never panned out. He’s accumulated a career 0.0 WAR in parts of six MLB seasons."

Edited April 1Apr 1 by caulfield12