Top 10 Mariners Prospects in 2026 According to Baseball America

The Seattle Mariners’ future is starting to come into focus. If Baseball America’s new 2026 prospect rankings mean anything, it’s a future built around impact bats, frontline arms, and players who can move around the diamond.

There’s a potential heir to J.P. Crawford at shortstop. Seattle’s farm system looks ready to fuel the next competitive window at T-Mobile Park, with a wave of power arms and power hitters on the way.

Colt Emerson Headlines a Loaded Mariners Prospect Class

Baseball America puts Colt Emerson at the top of its 2026 list. He’s a 20-year-old shortstop who already feels like the centerpiece of Seattle’s long-term infield plan.

The team drafted Emerson in the first round back in 2023. He’s moved quickly and efficiently through the system, which is honestly a little rare for his age.

Emerson Poised to Succeed J.P. Crawford

Emerson’s timeline is aggressive. He’s expected to compete for a major league roster spot in spring training and is widely seen as the favorite to replace J.P. Crawford at shortstop by 2027.

That’s not just hype—it’s grounded in a polished offensive profile and advanced instincts for his age. In 130 minor league games, Emerson hit .285/.383/.458 with 16 home runs, 78 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases.

His on-base skill really stands out. He already works counts and punishes mistakes with a mature approach.

If the power keeps growing as he fills out, Emerson could be an above-average everyday shortstop with top-of-the-order potential.

Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan Lead the Next Wave of Arms

Emerson might be the headliner, but honestly, the strength of this system could be its pitching. Baseball America’s rankings show Seattle’s commitment to loading up on impact arms.

Kade Anderson: Potential Future Ace from the 2025 Draft

Kade Anderson comes in second. He’s the Mariners’ 2025 first-round pick and was widely seen as the best left-handed pitcher in that draft class.

Anderson has ace-level upside if his command keeps improving. He brings a lively fastball from the left side, plus advanced secondary pitches that already miss bats.

The Mariners think he can pitch at the front of a rotation. His development will play a big role in how soon Seattle’s next contention cycle arrives.

Ryan Sloan: High-90s Heat with Fast-Track Potential

Ryan Sloan is fourth on the list. He’s another big-time arm, with a fastball that sits in the high-90s.

Sloan’s mix of velocity and raw stuff gives him a real shot to reach the majors by late 2026. He could start or maybe break in as a high-leverage reliever.

If the Mariners can help him refine his command and keep him healthy, Sloan could team up with Anderson at the top of the rotation in a few years.

Big Bats Rising: Montes, Arroyo, Farmelo, and Peete

This system isn’t just about arms and middle infielders. Seattle’s stacked up impact bats at multiple positions, each with a shot at the big leagues.

Lazaro Montes: Raw Power in the Middle of the Order

Outfielder Lazaro Montes lands third. Mariners fans should know his name by now.

Montes brings real middle-of-the-order thunder. He launched 32 home runs across High-A and Double-A.

The power is obvious—few in the system can change a game with one swing like he can. If he keeps refining his approach and the strikeouts stay manageable, Montes could be a core lineup fixture soon.

Michael Arroyo’s Position Switch to Speed His Path

Michael Arroyo checks in at fifth. He’s officially listed as a second baseman but is now transitioning to left field.

With the infield getting crowded, moving Arroyo to the outfield opens a clearer path to Seattle. His bat is what keeps him in the top 10.

If his defense in left field becomes even average, his offense should carry him into an everyday role.

Jonny Farmelo and Tai Peete: High Ceiling, High Risk

Jonny Farmelo lands at sixth after knee surgery slowed him down. Even so, he impressed scouts with his aggressive play in the Arizona Fall League, showing he hasn’t lost his edge.

If he regains full mobility, Farmelo brings speed, energy, and some developing pop. He could be an impact outfielder if things break right.

Tai Peete rounds out the top ten. He’s a converted outfielder whose power has already shown up in games.

His strikeout rate is still higher than the team would like. If Peete finds more consistent contact, his raw tools could make him one of the more exciting power threats in the system.

Versatility and Defense: Cijntje, Stevenson, and Celesten

The Mariners also have prospects who bring rare skills and premium defense. It’s not just about power arms and bats.

Jurrangelo Cijntje and the Switch-Pitcher Experiment

At seventh is Jurrangelo Cijntje, one of the most unique prospects in baseball. He’s a true switch-pitcher.

He’s pitched from both sides, but the team expects him to focus on right-handed pitching. That’s where his velocity and secondary pitches work best.

If focusing on one side brings more consistency, Cijntje could move quickly and become a valuable Swiss-army-knife type on a big-league staff.

Luke Stevenson and Felnin Celesten Round Out the Top Ten

Luke Stevenson, ranked eighth, brings elite defensive skills behind the plate. Catching’s one of the toughest positions to fill, and Stevenson stands out for his ability to receive, block, and control the running game.

He’s got a high floor as at least a defense-first backup. If his bat keeps coming along, maybe there’s even more in the tank.

Felnin Celesten sits ninth, a talented shortstop whose tools still tantalize scouts despite some recent struggles. The organization hasn’t given up on his upside.

Right now, they’re zeroing in on smoothing out his offensive game and tightening up the fundamentals. If he can put it all together, his natural ability could really shine through.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Here are Mariners’ Top 10 prospects in 2026