🔥 BREAKING: ESPN’s Buster Olney Says Mariners Have Big Faith in Cole Young.P1

Seattle, WA — In an offseason where Mariners fans are hungrier than ever for clarity on the team’s direction, ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney dropped a compelling assessment that’s sending shockwaves through the baseball world. Speaking on the Refuse to Lose podcast, Olney didn’t mince words: “Seattle believes in him,” referring to young infielder Cole Young, whose future with the Mariners had been the subject of mixed messaging this winter. 

That statement alone—simple yet loaded—signals that the Mariners’ front office still sees Young as more than just a flash-in-the-pan prospect. Even as Seattle continues to evaluate talent and pursue upgrades this offseason, Olney’s comments suggest the organization’s commitment to giving Young a real shot to contribute at the big‑league level.

Young burst onto the scene in 2025 after finally getting his MLB debut with Seattle. Originally a first‑round pick in the 2022 draft, he arrived with high expectations—but his early numbers were modest at best. Through 2025, Young posted a .211 batting average with 4 home runs and 24 RBIs, reflecting the adjustment pains expected of many rookies.

Still, numbers don’t tell the whole story. Olney’s emphasis wasn’t on stats alone, but on the belief Seattle has in Young’s potential, a belief not every franchise would still hold after a bumpy first season. “They want to see him grow,” Olney explained, highlighting that Seattle’s evaluators appreciate Young’s plate discipline, athleticism, and the underlying tools that made him a top draft pick.

The offseason has been confusing for some Mariners fans. Seattle has been linked to various free agents (including second basemen) and rumors about potential trades have swirled. Some interpreted this as a sign that the club might be looking to move on from its internal options at key infield spots—including Young. But Olney’s remarks challenge that narrative directly. 

“The messaging on Cole Young is very mixed, so I went and asked, and what I heard is that Seattle still believes in him as part of their long‑term plan,” Olney said. His words imply that even if the Mariners add veteran talent, Young isn’t being pushed to the sidelines or viewed as expendable. 

In other words: Seattle could bring in external help—but Young isn’t going anywhere unless he proves he can’t play. That’s a far more optimistic picture than many fans have been painting on social media this winter.

Part of what makes Olney’s take so interesting is that it reflects an organizational philosophy. The Mariners clearly value projectable players—prospects with tools that can translate at the highest level—over simply filling immediate roster gaps with veterans. If that’s the case, Young is very much part of their future, not merely a placeholder.

There’s also the human element. Young’s first year in the majors wasn’t flawless, but he showed flashes of plate awareness, situational hitting instincts, and defensive versatility. For a young player breaking into a contending lineup, that’s often all a team needs before doubling down on development. Mariners fans have known the excitement around Young since his draft day; Olney’s endorsement gives legitimacy to what many hoped was more than just hopeful fandom. 

Of course, belief and performance aren’t always the same thing. The pressure now is on Young to validate that faith with results. Spring training will be one of the most crucial tests of his professional career—Seattle’s coaching staff will be watching everything: his approach, his adjustments, and his consistency. Success there could mean regular playing time; struggles might force the organization to pivot midseason or sooner.

But make no mistake: Olney’s comments aren’t casual praise. When an MLB insider of his stature says a team “believes” in a young player, it’s not just chatter—it’s a reflection of what front office sources are actually saying behind the scenes.

Seattle enters 2026 with high expectations. After years on the cusp, they’re building a roster that blends youthful upside with veteran savvy. And now, with Olney’s insight, one thing feels clearer: Cole Young will likely play a meaningful role in that blend—whether as an everyday starter, a late‑season spark, or an impact bat off the bench.

As Mariners fans wait for the next big signing or trade, all eyes will be on Young’s development this spring. Will he answer the call? Or will the spotlight of expectation expose limitations that haven’t yet fully emerged?

One thing is certain: Buster Olney’s declaration has added fuel to a debate that won’t cool until Opening Day—and maybe not even then.