Mariners call up top prospect Colt Emerson 2 months after record $95 million contract

With the Seattle Mariners struggling with injuries and on the verge of getting swept by the San Diego Padres, the team is bringing up some young talent to try and fill in the gaps.

The Mariners announced Sunday that they are calling up top prospect Colt Emerson, who will make his major league debut against the Padres on Sunday. Emerson, a 20-year-old infielder, is the No. 6-ranked prospect in MLB; he is the youngest Mariner to make his debut since Félix Hernández, per the team.

The move comes two months after the Mariners signed Emerson to a record-breaking contract in March. The eight-year, $95 million extension marked an MLB record for a player with no experience in the majors.

Emerson’s call-up also comes as the Mariners add leadoff man Brendan Donovan to injured list with a groin strain. Donovan joins star catcher Cal Raleigh, who was placed on IL earlier this week with an oblique strain.

Emerson was drafted by Seattle in the first round of the 2023 draft, when he was just 17 years old. After starting the 2026 season with the AAA Tacoma Rainiers, Emerson enters Sunday with a .255/.347/.469 stat line in the minors, plus an OPS of .816.

Emerson will start at third base for the Mariners, replacing utility infielder Leo Rivas, and will bat at the bottom of the lineup.

It’s been a middling season so far for the Mariners, who enter Sunday’s game with a 22-25 record, including a pretty dismal 12-13 record at home.

By calling up Emerson, Seattle will hope for a similar output as that of 22-year-old second baseman Cole Young, another young infielder who made his debut last year. Young has been a solid piece of the Mariners’ offense and defense, putting up 42 and 26 RBIs while also nabbing some stellar defensive plays from the infield.