Mariners #3 Prospect Cole Young Gets the Call: A New Era at Second Base

The Seattle Mariners are making a bold and exciting move by calling up their highly touted prospect, Cole Young. As one of the organization's top prospects, Young’s promotion marks a significant step not only in his promising career but also for the Mariners’ future at the second base position. At just 21 years old, Cole Young is ready to make his Major League Baseball debut and bring fresh energy to the Mariners lineup. Let’s dive deep into what this call-up means for the team, Young’s journey so far, and why fans should be excited about this young talent.

The Rise of Cole Young: From High School Standout to MLB Prospect

Cole Young’s journey to the majors began at North Allegheny High School in Pennsylvania, where his impressive skills caught the attention of scouts nationwide. In the 2022 MLB Draft, the Seattle Mariners selected him as their first-round pick, 21st overall. Standing 5'11" and weighing 180 pounds, Young is a left-handed hitter who plays both second base and shortstop, showcasing versatility that adds value to his profile.

Since being drafted, Young has steadily climbed through the Mariners' minor league system, hitting at every level along the way. His steady performance and continuous improvement have been key factors in his rapid ascent. The timing of his call-up couldn’t be better, as he has been absolutely dominating at the Triple-A level in Tacoma.

Dominating Triple-A: Cole Young’s Stellar May Performance

In the month leading up to his MLB debut, Young put together an outstanding stretch of games that showcased his hitting prowess and plate discipline. Over 26 games in May, he posted a remarkable .366 batting average, complemented by a .467 on-base percentage and a .673 slugging percentage. This culminates in an impressive 1.140 OPS, highlighting his ability to get on base and hit for power.

While Young is generally known as a “hit over power” player, his time in Tacoma revealed a newfound power surge. In May alone, he hit five home runs, three triples, and ten doubles, showing that he can drive the ball with authority. Additionally, he stole four bases, demonstrating speed and baserunning savvy. Just two days before the announcement of his call-up, Young had a sensational five-hit game, including a walk-off hit that energized the Tacoma crowd and Mariners fans alike.

“1-1 swinging. He bounces this one towards the first base side. Davis doesn’t have it. Davis comes in to score and the Rainiers walk it off in the bottom of the ninth inning.”

This clutch performance underscored Young’s ability to perform under pressure and his readiness for the next level.

Plate Discipline and Approach: The Hallmarks of Cole Young’s Game

One of the most impressive aspects of Young’s game is his exceptional plate discipline. According to MLB’s Daniel Kramer, Young led all Triple-A players in May with 37 hits. Even more telling is his walk-to-strikeout ratio: he nearly doubled his walks with 15 compared to just 8 strikeouts. This level of control at the plate is rare for a player so young and suggests a maturity and focus beyond his years.

Young’s hard-hit rate in May was an eye-popping 45.7%, which measures the percentage of balls hit with an exit velocity of 95 mph or higher. To put that in perspective, this is higher than the hard-hit rate of Mariners superstar Julio Rodriguez for the entire year. This statistic confirms that Young is not just making contact—he’s making quality contact consistently.

Overcoming Early Season Adversity

Young’s path this season wasn’t without challenges. He began the year with a slow start, partially due to being shut down during spring training because of a right arm injury. This limited his opportunities to get reps early and led to a sluggish beginning in Tacoma, where he hit just .190 with a .577 OPS over his first 125 plate appearances.

What stands out, however, is Young’s mental toughness and maturity. Despite the slow start and limited spring training action, he remained patient and focused on improvement. Instead of succumbing to frustration, Young worked hard to get back to his natural game. His May performance is a testament to this resilience and growth, showing that even young players can handle adversity and emerge stronger.

Platoon Splits and Versatility

Analyzing Young’s platoon splits reveals an interesting trend. He has performed better against right-handed pitchers, batting .292 with a .410 on-base percentage and an .897 OPS. Against lefties, his numbers are still solid but slightly lower, with a .242 average, .347 on-base, and .750 OPS.

Young’s ability to hit from the left side and play multiple infield positions—second base and shortstop—makes him a valuable asset. This versatility gives the Mariners flexibility in roster construction and defensive alignments, enhancing his long-term value to the team.

The Mariners’ Long-Term Plans: Cole Young as the Future at Second Base

With the injury to Ryan Bliss, who was expected to take over second base but suffered a season-ending torn left bicep in early April, the Mariners found themselves in need of a reliable, long-term solution at the position. In the interim, the team filled the gap with players like Leo Rivas and Dylan Moore, but the call-up of Cole Young signals a clear direction forward.

Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners’ President of Baseball Operations, alludes to the fact that Young’s promotion is not just a temporary fix but a strategic move. Cole Young is being viewed as the Mariners’ second baseman of “the now and the future.” This is a significant vote of confidence in Young’s abilities and potential impact on the team.

What Mariners Fans Can Expect Moving Forward

With Young’s debut scheduled against the Minnesota Twins on May 31st in Seattle, fans have plenty to look forward to. His combination of hitting ability, plate discipline, speed, and defensive versatility offers a promising foundation for growth. As the Mariners continue to develop their next wave of talent, Young’s arrival is a key piece of the puzzle.

The Mariners’ farm system is loaded with exciting prospects, and Young’s call-up could be the first of many in the near future. For fans eager to witness the next generation of Mariners stars, tuning into the team’s games this season will be essential.

Final Thoughts

Cole Young’s promotion to the major leagues is a defining moment for both the player and the Seattle Mariners. From a standout high school player to a polished, mature prospect dominating at Triple-A, Young has earned every bit of this opportunity. His impressive May numbers, resilience through injury, and disciplined approach at the plate make him a compelling addition to the Mariners roster.

As the long-term answer at second base, Cole Young represents hope and excitement for the Mariners’ future. His journey is just beginning, and the Mariners community should be ready to embrace this young talent as he takes the next step in his career.

For all things Seattle Mariners and prospect updates, stay engaged and share your thoughts on Cole Young’s call-up. How do you feel about his potential impact? Which Mariners prospect do you think will be next? The future looks bright for Seattle baseball, and Cole Young is leading the charge.