Mariners’ J.P. Crawford open to move to 3B, opening door for Colt Emerson at SS
The Seattle Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Mariners veteran shortstop J.P. Crawford has offered to try playing third base to accommodate the arrival of top prospect Colt Emerson, who debuted at third base but has since moved to shortstop.
- Crawford, managing a sore right arm from recent injuries, was scratched from the lineup and did not throw from third base during pregame drills, signaling a potential position shift in the Mariners' infield.
- Emerson, signed to an eight-year, $95 million contract, hit a three-run homer in his MLB debut and is seen as the Mariners' future starting shortstop, with management planning his role through 2027.
- Crawford, the Mariners' longest-tenured player and a former Gold Glove winner, remains productive offensively but has faced defensive scrutiny this season, ranking low in advanced defensive metrics.
- With third baseman Brendan Donovan on the injured list again, the Mariners plan to use him as a super-utility player upon his return, rotating him across multiple positions to maximize lineup flexibility.