The Seattle Mariners wrapped up their first week of the 2026 season on Wednesday in a 5-3 loss against the New York Yankees at T-Mobile Park.

The Mariners' defeat gave them a series loss against the Yankees and a 3-4 record on the season through the first seven games.

However, the biggest news of the week was a historic contract signed between Seattle and its top prospect, Colt Emerson (No. 7 MLB Pipeline top 100).

The Mariners signed the top 10 prospect to an eight-year, $95 million contract that extends through the 2033 season. The deal includes an option for a ninth year for 2034. With escalators, the deal could be worth up to $130 million.

It's the largest deal in MLB history for a player who's yet to record any major league service time, but it still didn't guarantee Emerson a call-up. At least not yet.

According to comments made by Seattle president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto on Tuesday, the new contract doesn't mean Emerson will immediately make his big league debut. However, the M's executive did reiterate that the 20-year-old infielder factors into the team's plans this season.

In short, it's a matter of "when" rather than "if" Emerson will make his major league debut in '26.

However, there is a question of where he will play. And there's an issue that, no matter what, someone on the team's at-bats will be cut as a result.

Dipoto reaffirmed that veteran shortstop JP Crawford, who is under the last season of his five-year, $51 million contract, will continue to be the team's starter this year. He was activated off the 10-day injured list Thursday after missing the first seven games of the season due to right shoulder inflammation.

It's long been thought that Emerson, who's natural position is shortstop, is Crawford's heir apparent at shortstop. However, Dipoto's comments indicate that the team isn't planning to make that transition this season.

When the Mariners call up Emerson, it won't be to platoon or to play once every three days. He, like second baseman Cole Young and third baseman Ben Williamson were last year, will get everyday plate appearances. As a result, at least one player in the starting lineup will see his playing time cut.

Brendan Donovan, who Seattle acquired this offseason, has been the team's starting third baseman this year. He's started at third base all seven games.

The results have been mixed. Donovan's bat has been the most consistent on the team this year. He's slashed .417/.533/.750 and has connected for two doubles and two home runs with four RBIs.

Donovan's defense has been less stellar. In 18 total chances at third this season, he's committed three errors (.833 fielding percentage).

Donovan's versatility was lauded by Dipoto during the spring and again when the latter was talking about Emerson's extension.

Specifically, Dipoto spoke in reference to the fact that Donovan's versatility could allow the Mariners to shift the lineup to make room for Emerson.

Emerson played third base during spring training, which will be his likely position this season when he's called up to the big leagues.

Seattle won't take Donovan's bat out of the lineup. This would leave designated hitter, second base and either corner of the outfield as the likeliest positions for Donovan to shift to.

Second-year second baseman Young doesn't seem like he's letting go of his starting role anytime soon. Through seven games, Young has slashed .320/.346/.520 and has hit two doubles and a home run with four RBIs.

Donovan could see time at second base when the team wants to give Young a day off or reps at DH, but he won't have his playing time cut completely.

Designated hitter is a position the Mariners like to leave open. So far, Seattle's used it to play two usual outfielders against right- and left-handed pitching, respectively. Against righties, Luke Raley has played right field and Dominic Canzone has been the DH. Against southpaws, it's been Victor Robles in the field with Rob Refsnyder DH'ing.

Canzone and Raley have both already hit multiple homers for Seattle. Refsnyder is yet to get a hit but his reputation and past performance against lefties will likely keep him in that role. When the team feels fit to give catcher Cal Raleigh a rest from behind the plate but keep his bat in the lineup, Mitch Garver will catch and Raleigh will DH.

The M's could opt to use Donovan at DH while cutting the playing time for Canzone or Refsnyder in various situations.

If Emerson moves to third and Donovan moves to left, that could mean a potential cut in playing time for 2025 All-Star Randy Arozarena.

There are pros and cons to making this decision. Based on 2025 statistics, Donovan's arm strength (86.7 mph, 66th percentile in baseball) is higher than Arozarena's (81.7 mph, 31st percentile), per Baseball Savant.

Something that can be considered both a pro and a con is Arozarena's streakiness.

Arozarena last season slashed .238/.334/.426. He registered a career-high in home runs (27) and the second-most steals (31) in his career.

In June and July, Arozarena slashed .294/.383/.471 and .268/.333/.639, respectively. His highest OPS in any other full month outside of those two was a .727 mark in April.

When Arozarena is at his best, his bat is a true asset to the team. It was enough for the Mariners to briefly give him a look as the lead-off hitter at the end of last season.

Currently, Arozarena has had a strong start to the season. He's slashed .250/.400/.375 and has hit three doubles with five RBIs.

Arozarena is also in the last year of his contract, which could make a decision to move Donovan to the outfield easier.

Having Donovan move to left field would also avoid another potential position change for the 2025 All-Star next spring training when Arozarena and Crawford hit free agency.

Regardless of who sees less at-bats, Emerson's debut is nearing. And how the team formats the lineup with him in it will play a massive factor in the team's championship aspirations.

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