🔥 HOT NEWS: Dan Wilson gives the green light for a spring “trial by fire”—third base is no longer a safe position ⚡ .MH

As the offseason progresses, the signals from the Seattle Mariners become clearer: they won’t be looking for an outside savior for third base. The free agent market isn’t attractive enough. Trade negotiations are focused on second base. And so, the Mariners are doing what they believe in most—giving opportunities to their own players.

Two names have emerged for the 2026 hot corner: Ben Williamson and Colt Emerson. Two very different profiles. Two different development paths. But one unavoidable requirement: they must generate power.

Ben Williamson is the “safe” option on paper. A rookie last season, he didn’t impress with his bat—even his MLB numbers were quite modest. But what keeps Williamson on the course is his top-class defense. His gloves are good enough to cover offensive gaps. The problem is: that’s only enough to survive, not enough to secure the spot.

Williamson understands that. During his time at Triple-A Tacoma, he focused on refining his swing—building lift and power. He publicly credited hitting coach Shawn O’Malley for that progress. The result? A stark contrast: slugging .310 in MLB in 295 PAs, but .510 in the final 180 PAs at Triple-A. That was no longer a “small signal.” It was a statement that the club could catch up with the glove.

On the opposite side is Colt Emerson—who carries a completely different expectation. Emerson is one of the system’s most highly rated prospects. He’s not a traditional third baseman. His profile is more like a middle infielder: refined hit tool, good ball feel. But Emerson’s power is increasing faster than anticipated. From 4 home runs in 2024 to 16 home runs in 2025, slugging .458 over more than 600 PAs in the minor league—that’s a curve of development that Mariners should take notice of.

Dan Wilson doesn’t hide his decision-making process. In an interview with Seattle Sports, he emphasized that power production will be the deciding factor. Not name recognition. Not age. Not prospect ranking. But the ability to transform third base into a lethal position.

This isn’t accidental. The Mariners tried the “traditional third baseman” route at last year’s deadline with Eugenio Suárez—and failed. Power wasn’t consistent. Consistency wasn’t present. That lesson led Seattle to change its approach: no longer relying on reputation, but on developing data.

Neither Williamson nor Emerson are the perfect answer. Both are more like middle infielders than corner bats. But the Mariners believe that versatility and momentum can compensate. With the World Baseball Classic adding more reps in spring training, Emerson will have plenty of opportunities to prove himself ready. And Williamson is already there—and working on improving his weakest point.

The truth is: the Mariners aren’t in a hurry. They’re gathering data. They’re letting the spring decide. And they’re taking the risk of letting two young players compete against each other—rather than buying short-term peace of mind.

When it comes to third base 2026, the question isn’t who’s better defensively. It’s: who generates enough power so the Mariners won’t regret not looking outside.

And when the spring music stops, Seattle will choose the one who’s turned potential into real offensive force—whether it’s Williamson with his late burst of speed, or Emerson with his accelerating curve.