When the Seattle Mariners enter the spring of 2026, the question is no longer who is good enough to make it to MLB — but who will have to make way. It’s a luxury, but also the most divisive issue if handled incorrectly. And the heart of that dilemma lies entirely in the infield: Ben Williamson, Colt Emerson, and Cole Young.
Assuming an “optimal” Opening Day roster, free from injuries or dips in form, the Mariners have virtually no room for all three at once. Williamson and Emerson aren’t the kind of players who would occupy a bench. If they are on the roster, they must be given the keys — one holding third base, the other second base.
That immediately puts Cole Young in danger.
In theory, this scenario would require Emerson to overtake Young for second base — a leap that doesn’t seem logical at the moment, especially given the Mariners’ repeated public commitments to Young. But baseball doesn’t operate on promises. It operates on momentum. And Colt Emerson’s momentum is greater than ever.
After the 2025 season and his performance at Fan Fest, Emerson is no longer a “distant future.” He’s knocking hard—not just knocking, but testing the door’s strength. If he has a superior Spring Training, the Mariners won’t be able to pretend not to see it.
Meanwhile, Ben Williamson is in a different position in the game. The biggest question for him is the bat. But in return, Williamson’s defense is almost unrivaled in this group. With Eugenio Suárez having signed with the Reds, the possibility of Williamson being permanently placed at third base becomes more realistic than ever—especially if the Mariners prioritize defensive solidity in the hot corner.
The question is: if Williamson holds third, Emerson takes second, then where does Cole Young go?
The most uncomfortable—and also the most logical—answer is Triple-A. Young still has an option. And while that contradicts the team’s previous goodwill statements, it perfectly aligns with how modern front offices operate: flexibility, not rigidity.
But this isn’t the most complicated part of the problem.
The Mariners’ outfield/head defense is… too crowded. Robles, Raley, Refsnyder, Canzone — four players for two positions. Only Raley is versatile enough to rotate between positions. This creates an imbalance in the roster, and indirectly makes the infield more crowded than necessary. It’s not Williamson, Emerson, or Young’s fault — but they bear the consequences.
And then there’s Ryan Bliss.
Bliss is almost forgotten in big-game scenarios, but his speed, energy, and pinch-run ability are perfectly suited to a modern bench role. If the Mariners need someone to make an immediate impact from the bench, Bliss could be a valuable asset. That further narrows the space for other names.
Justin Hollander has made it clear: the Mariners won’t decide based solely on Spring Training. But history shows that a “monster” spring can disrupt any well-planned strategy. And this year, both Emerson and Williamson have a chance to do just that.
Ultimately, the question isn’t “who’s better.” It’s: what are the Mariners willing to sacrifice—commitment, patience, or roster structure—to optimize their lineup right now?
Seattle’s Infield 2026 isn’t short of talent. It’s short of… space. And that’s what makes this spring training more intense than any other practice session.
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