Mariners’ Crawford Open to Playing Third Base After Emerson Call-Up

Let’s talk about J.P. Crawford and the Seattle Mariners—because, honestly, the team’s infield could look a lot different soon. There’s a possible position switch brewing: Crawford might slide over to third base as rookie Colt Emerson gets his shot after coming up from Triple-A Tacoma.

Matt Brash is also back from the injured list, which could shake up the pitching staff. The front office is juggling veteran stability and the excitement of young talent, all while the pressure of a pennant race hovers overhead.

Crawford’s potential move to third base could reshape the Mariners’ infield

Crawford, a fixture at shortstop with 895 games for the Mariners, was scratched from the lineup with right triceps soreness. Before the game, he was out there taking grounders at third base, which caught some attention.

With Colt Emerson getting promoted, there’s talk: will Crawford move off shortstop to open the door for the kid? Mariners leadership originally said Emerson would play most of his early games at third, keeping Crawford at short for now.

But then Crawford, who’s 31 and still grinding, said he’d be open to a switch. He’s hitting just .210 with six homers and 16 RBIs in 42 games—nothing flashy, but he’s focused on the bigger picture.

He’s already talked about it with his agent. For him, it’s about mentoring, just like Kyle Seager and Dee Strange-Gordon did for him. Crawford wants to stay a Mariner for life, whatever that means for his spot on the field.

Why the move could accelerate Emerson’s path to everyday shortstop

General manager Justin Hollander says Emerson will start at third, which takes some heat off Crawford. Still, if Crawford really does shift, Emerson might end up at shortstop sooner than expected—assuming he proves himself at third and with the bat.

That’s the kind of mentorship Crawford’s always tried to give. He was the first to greet Emerson after his first big-league homer, and that kind of leadership isn’t lost on anyone in the clubhouse.

Crawford keeps saying he’ll help the team however they need. That’s been his thing in Seattle—quiet leadership, no drama. If the Mariners want him to help bridge to a younger core, his flexibility might be exactly what they need right now.

Brash returns as Seattle stabilizes its pitching

On the pitching side, Matt Brash is back from the injured list for Wednesday’s game. Robinson Ortiz heads back to Triple-A Tacoma to make room. Brash, when healthy, has been just lights out: 2-0, a 0.00 ERA, 10 strikeouts, two walks in 12⅓ innings.

He’s got the velocity and late-inning stuff that can really change a game. Over four seasons, Brash has gone 16-11 with a 3.08 ERA, eight saves, and 237 strikeouts in 185 games.

He missed all of 2024 after Tommy John surgery, so there’s some hope but also a bit of uncertainty about how close he is to his old self. If he can keep it up, the bullpen gets a serious boost—someone who can cover those awkward middle innings and help close out tight games.

What this means for the Mariners moving forward

The Mariners have a lot to weigh right now. Emerson’s ceiling, Crawford’s experience, and Brash’s health all bring different questions to the table.

• Positioning strategy: How soon does Crawford move, and can Emerson grab the third-base job to open up a shortstop spot soon?
• Mentorship impact: Crawford’s leadership might speed up Emerson’s growth. Seager and Strange-Gordon left a legacy that still shapes the team’s vibe.
• Pitching depth: If Brash stays healthy and performs, Seattle can get creative with starters and relievers, especially with their bullpen-heavy approach.
• Injury management: The team walks a fine line—keeping everyone productive but not risking long-term health. Not easy for a club with big ambitions.

Over the next few weeks, Seattle’s choices at the corners and in the bullpen should give us a sense of how much they’ll lean on veterans versus giving young guys a shot. Right now, it feels like they’re banking on adaptability and mentorship to keep their momentum rolling, but who really knows? Baseball never makes it simple.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Mariners’ Crawford open to playing 3B after Emerson’s call-up