We wondered what was going on with the prospect this season, and now we're learning.
The Seattle Mariners open up the Cactus League schedule on Friday afternoon (12:10 p.m. PT) against the San Diego Padres at the Peoria Sports Complex.
Right-hander Dane Dunning is on the mound and several of the World Baseball Classic position player participants are in the lineup, including Cal Raleigh (catcher), Julio Rodriguez (DH), Dominic Canzone (right field), Josh Naylor (first base) and Michael Arroyo (second base).
With regards to Arroyo, we've recently wondered what exactly the plan is for him.
Regarded as an excellent offensive player, the 21-year-old top prospect is not generally seen as a good defender at second base. We heard that the M's were going to work him out in the outfield over the offseason, and Jerry Dipoto recently mentioned him as a candidate to get some work at third base.
So, with Arroyo playing second in the Cactus League opener, manager Dan Wilson was asked about the plan for him moving forward.
You know, versatility is big for us and we have several guys that we'd like to see be able to expand their horizons in that way and play different spots on the infield, maybe even dip their toe in the outfield a little bit. So absolutely, creating that versatility, creating a little bit more value is big. And, I know that Bone (Perry Hill) loves the work and showing guys different areas on the infield, and Michael will be one of those guys.
In addition, Wilson praised the growth of Arroyo at second base.
How could it all work out?
To Wilson's point, versatility is big for all teams, but it seems especially big for the Mariners. Dylan Moore made a seven-year living for the M's being able to play all over the field, so perhaps there's just a chance that Arroyo is one of those kinds of guys moving forward.
It also goes without saying that if Arroyo can become proficient in multiple spots, it gives him a possible path to the big leagues this season. The Mariners infield is extremely left-handed, and Arroyo presents a right-handed option.
With Randy Arozarena a free agent after the season, there's also absolutely a chance that Arroyo could become a primary left fielder next season. Or, with JP Crawford a free agent, it's also possible that Cole Young is the second baseman in 2027 with Colt Emerson at shortstop, Arroyo at third and Brendan Donovan in left.
There's maybe even a very outside chance that Arroyo could play second, Young could play short and Emerson could play third, though that seems unlikely.
Arroyo, who reached as high as Double-A Arkansas in 2025, is ranked as the No. 67 prospect in the sport by MLB Pipeline. He hit .262 between High-A and Double-A with 17 home runs.
In other Ms news
Cal Raleigh played in 159 games last season, so what's the plan for his workload moving forward? We caught up with ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney to discuss what he's heard.
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