The Seattle Mariners farm system is considered one of the best in baseball and fans could start to see that as soon as next season.

The Mariners had as many as nine top 100 prospects according to MLB Pipeline and Baseball America at various points in 2025. Several minor leaguers, including outfielder Lazaro Montes and infielders Michael Arroyo and Colt Emerson, are expected to make their major league debuts in 2026.

According to a top publication, Seattle could have another minor leaguer join the ranks of the elite prospects in the sport next year.

Geoff Pontes of Baseball America published a story highlighting a prospect to watch in 2026 for each American League team. For the Mariners, Pontes highlighted catcher Luke Stevenson.

Here's what Pontes had to say in his report on Stevenson:

Though he was of the best defensive catchers in the 2025 draft class, there were major questions about Stevenson’s ability to hit heading into draft day. Post-draft, Stevenson worked hard to answer those questions, hitting .280/.460/.400 over 22 games with Low-A Modesto. 
While strong production is expected of Power Four college hitters against Low-A competition, Stevenson’s underlying data gives reasons for optimism. His 15.1% zone-whiff rate is excellent, and he also showed a patient but not passive approach at the plate. He displayed at least average raw power with a 104.9 mph 90th percentile exit velocity and an impressive air-pull%. 
With advanced defensive abilities, Stevenson could prove in 2026 that his early professional hitting production was no fluke. If so, he should waltz into the Top 100 Prospects list by the end of next season.

Stevenson was selected with the 35th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft out of North Carolina. He made his professional debut with the Single-A Modesto Nuts, he scored 16 runs in 22 games and hit four doubles, a triple and a home run with 14 RBIs. He slashed .280/.460/.400 with an .860 OPS.

Stevenson is ranked as the organization's No. 10 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline. He's projected to make his major league debut in 2028.

Stevenson might face a log jam in getting to the big leagues. Starting catcher Cal Raleigh, who finished second in MVP voting, is under contract through 2030 with a conditional mutual option in 2031.

Backing up Raleigh will likely be top 100 prospect Harry Ford, who made his major league debut last year.

But that's a future problem. In the immediate future, it seems that Stevenson will be a prospect to watch.

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