Through the first 30 games of the season, Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young has been among the best players on the roster. 

Though the M's are just 14-16 to this point, Young's breakout has been a huge development. He's hitting .260 with three home runs and 15 RBIs while playing a stellar second base. He led all American League second baseman in WAR through April 26 and his 1.6 Baseball Reference WAR leads the M's, ahead of Randy Arozarena (1.1) and Cal Raleigh (0.8).

It's somewhat of a chicken-or-the-egg scenario: Does a player's comfort breed success, or does success breed comfort? We don't know the answer, but what I can tell you is this:

Young appears to be very comfortable in his role on the field and in his place in the M's clubhouse. It was apparent to me in an interview that Young did with MLB Network on Monday. Though the interview was just three minutes long, we saw long and thoughtful answers mixed with a healthy dose of personality from the former top prospect.

I've personally talked to Young multiple times since his call-up last May, and this MLB Network interview was a different level of openness for him.

Now, I want to make this clear: When I spoke to Young at Yankee Stadium last season following his first major league home run, the Mariners had just lost. That situation doesn't breed a lot of personality coming out. The second time I spoke to him was at his locker in spring training. That's another situation that doesn't lend itself to long and fruitful conversation.

I believe that Young is likable - and willing to talk with the media - but the brevity in his answers suggested that he was a young player working to learn how to handle the media on a daily basis. Nothing wrong with that. It's our job to ask questions that bring things out of him, and maybe we/I didn't do it on those days.

But my point stands: Young's interview with MLB Network was different, and I have to think there's a correlation between his attitude and how he's playing on the field. He didn't seem overwhelmed, or nervous, and he seemed totally comfortable in being himself.

And if this is the Young that the M's get when he's feeling that way, then that's a huge win. At this rate, Young has an opportunity to be an All-Star in 2026.

The Mariners will play the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday at 4:40 p.m. PT.

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