Colt Emerson, Mariners’ top prospect, lands long-term deal with Seattle
The Seattle Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The Seattle Mariners have agreed to an eight-year, $95 million contract with top prospect Colt Emerson, potentially extending to $130 million with incentives, making it the largest deal ever for a player without MLB service time.
- The contract includes a ninth-year club option and a full no-trade clause, with finalization pending a physical expected by Wednesday.
- Emerson, a shortstop drafted 22nd overall in 2023, is seen as the Mariners' future at the position, eventually replacing J.P. Crawford, whose contract expires after this season.
- Despite the lucrative deal, Emerson will continue his development in Triple-A Tacoma, with the Mariners emphasizing readiness over rushing his MLB debut.
- This move follows a trend of MLB teams investing heavily in top prospects early, similar to the Brewers' recent contract with their shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt.
