The Seattle Mariners are preparing for the 2026 season with a roster that relies heavily on young prospects, and promising second baseman Cole Young is expected to be one of the pillars. While the Mariners may re-sign Jorge Polanco, they will still need a reliable second baseman throughout the season, and Young is the obvious candidate.
Cole Young, 22, was a first-round pick in 2022 straight out of high school, and has been consistently ranked among MLB’s top 100 prospects since 2025. His career in the minor and middle leagues has shown incredible potential: a .279/.388/.432 batting line and an .819 OPS in the Minor Leagues. Young has already shown signs of his ability to shine in the Major Leagues, hitting the Mariners’ longest home run last season, over 460 feet.
However, Young struggled last season, especially in the final games, ending with a 4-for-59 streak, resulting in an MLB season record of just .211/.302/.305, a .607 OPS, and 0.5 WAR in 77 games. This resulted in him being left off the playoff roster in both rounds. However, experts say these stats do not reflect Young’s true potential.
A detailed analysis shows that Young has had bad luck hitting, with a low .247 BABIP, but his approach to the ball is solid. From June to September, Young maintained a ratio of 24 walks to 27 strikeouts, and in July posted a .755 OPS, showing his ability to adjust and wait for opportunities from the pitcher. Experts predict that, if he can get away with bad luck, Young could be a great hitter, though his second base defense could be average to slightly below average.
FanGraphs’ 2026 projections have Young hitting .241/.328/.364, with a .692 OPS and a 103 wRC+ — impressive numbers for a 22-year-old. His ability to control the count, capitalize on pitcher mistakes and maintain patience are key factors in what’s expected to be a breakout season for Young.
Young is expected to be one of the Mariners’ key young pillars, contributing both offensively and strategically. With the team building around young prospects, Young’s progress will have a direct impact on the team’s performance in the 2026 season. Fans and experts are hoping that he will prove his potential and become the Mariners’ main hitter in the coming years.
Despite the challenges of last season, Cole Young showed his character, adaptability and potential to become one of the most reliable hitters. The 2026 Mariners are putting their faith in him, and everyone is waiting to see if Young can become the brightest star in the team’s young prospects.
Cole Young is living proof that patience, development and self-belief will create great opportunities in MLB. The 2026 season will be the turning point where he can prove all the predictions, expectations and potential. And if Young shines as predicted, the Mariners will have a promising young second baseman on their hands, ready to change the game every game.
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