The Mariners skipper had kind words for the organization's top prospect after Emerson's historic deal
SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners recently wrapped up its first homestand of the season with a 3-4 record after a 5-3 loss against the New York Yankees on Tuesday.
The Mariners, who entered this season as legitimate World Series contenders for the first time in over two decades, will look to shake off the early-season rust in the first of a three-game series against American League West rivals, the Los Angeles Angels at 6:38 p.m. PT on Friday at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif.
While Seattle is focusing on its present, it also made a significant decision this week pertaining towards its future.
On Tuesday, the Mariners agreed to an eight-year, $95 million contract with top prospect Colt Emerson (No. 7 MLB Pipeline top 100). The deal will run through 2033 and is worth up to $130 million with incentives and escalators. The contract includes a club option for a ninth season in 2034 and is the largest in MLB history for a player who hasn't made their major league debut.
Emerson had an opportunity to make Seattle's Opening Day roster on March 26. He didn't break camp but posted a great spring regardless. He slashed .268/.340/.488 with an .828 OPS and hit a double, a triple and two home runs with eight RBIs in 18 Cactus League games this spring.
Despite being universally considered a top 10 prospect and his solid spring, the deal was still met with shock considering Emerson hadn't registered a play of major league service time. There's also no imminent plans to call up Emerson to the major league roster, per comments made from Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto on Tuesday.
Dipoto was still steadfast in his support of the Ohio native and that sentiment was echoed by Seattle manager Dan Wilson.
"Colt's a guy I've gotten to know over the years and kind of seen grown up in the game, too, in our organization," Wilson said in a pregame interview Wednesday. "I think a lot of our players that are here at the big league level are very comfortable with him, having a chance to play with him in spring training again this year pretty extensively. Continuity is always a good thing. Fresh, new faces are a good thing, too. I think the two of those things together can be a very positive experience."
Emerson is currently assigned to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. He's slashed .278/.316/.500 with an .816 OPS in 20 appearances across four games. He's hit a double and a home run with two RBIs.
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