Mariners’ Strategy to Fill Third Base: Youth, Options and Trades

The Seattle Mariners are sending a pretty clear signal for 2026. Instead of chasing a big-name third baseman in free agency, they’re leaning hard into a young infield built from within.

Ben Williamson looks set for third. Cole Young’s on track for second. Top prospect Colt Emerson is making a push, too.

Seattle’s betting on sustainable growth, not flashy spending sprees.

Mariners Turn Away from Big-Name Third Basemen

Names like Alex Bregman always stir up chatter in the market. But the Mariners are stepping out of that bidding war.

Even with all the speculation and Scott Boras’s involvement, talks about Bregman and other established third basemen haven’t gone anywhere serious.

That’s not shocking if you’ve followed Seattle’s approach. The front office doesn’t like tying up huge money and years in older position players.

They’d rather stay flexible and develop talent than risk a long-term deal that could backfire.

Why Alex Bregman Isn’t Likely Coming to Seattle

Alex Bregman is the kind of player who attracts a big market: postseason experience, a name people know, and a track record at the plate. But he’s also exactly what the Mariners want to avoid—an expensive, multi-year gamble on a veteran whose best days might be behind him.

Boras’s presence signals a hefty price tag, both in years and dollars. That just doesn’t fit with Seattle’s current payroll plans.

The team’s 2025 payroll sits around $165 million, and no one expects a big jump in 2026. There’s not much appetite for another top-shelf contract.

Ben Williamson: The New Anchor at Third Base

Instead of chasing a star, the Mariners are ready to give Ben Williamson the hot corner on Opening Day 2026. His rookie year didn’t exactly pop in the box score, but folks inside the organization noticed him for other reasons.

Williamson’s defense stands out—quick reactions, steady hands, and sharp instincts. The Mariners see a guy who can lock down third for years if his bat keeps coming along.

Defense First, Offense Developing

His offense so far? Nothing to write home about, honestly. But Seattle’s willing to ride out the learning curve at the plate.

They’re betting his glove is already a plus, and with more reps, the bat could reach league average or better. For a team that values run prevention and cost control, a glove-first third baseman on a rookie deal just fits.

Cole Young and the Youth Movement in the Infield

Across the diamond, Cole Young is lined up to take second base. He fits the same mold: trust the farm system, accept some growing pains, and hope for big rewards as these guys hit their prime.

Seattle’s building an infield core from within, banking on chemistry and cost-controlled production. They’re not just plugging holes with outside veterans.

Colt Emerson Adds Even More Internal Competition

Top prospect Colt Emerson will get his shot, too, especially when spring training rolls around. The team expects him to compete for at-bats, ramping up the infield’s youth movement.

That competition is intentional. Seattle wants a deep pool of young infielders who can move around, cover for injuries, and grow together over several seasons.

Veteran Help: Targeting Bats, Not Blockers

Seattle’s not ignoring experience entirely, though. The front office has said they want a veteran bat to help the young core—but not someone who’ll block their progress.

They’re looking for stability and versatility, not star power for its own sake.

Options Like Jorge Polanco and Brendan Donovan

Two types of players have caught their eye:

These guys would complement Williamson, Young, and Emerson—not replace them or block their way.

Payroll Discipline and the Bigger Picture

Seattle’s stance at third base fits their bigger financial picture. Outside of splurges like Robbie Ray and Josh Naylor, they’ve mostly steered clear of long, backloaded contracts that can mess up a roster later.

Talks with the Phillies for Alec Bohm never really got going, which shows just how careful the front office is with money and prospects. The goal? Keep payroll flexible while the young core grows up.

Building a Sustainable Core, Not Chasing Headlines

In an era where aggressive spending grabs all the offseason attention, the Mariners are taking a different approach. They’re leaning hard into building a sustainable core and trusting their player development system.

The team is betting on the upside of their own infield prospects. Ben Williamson at third and Cole Young at second—those are the names they’re watching.

Colt Emerson is pushing for a role too. Add in a carefully chosen veteran bat, and that’s basically the blueprint.

It might not light up the winter news cycle, but if these young players reach their potential, the next era of Mariners baseball could look very different.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Here’s the Mariners’ plan to address third base