The Mariners have a top-heavy Minor League system. Their 1 through 5 might be the best in baseball outside the Red Sox’s Top 5 players. However, the back half of the system is not strong, and it was tough even to find players who might be relevant at the highest level.
Colt Emerson, Cole Young, and Harry Ford lead the system. While I have Emerson at the top, you can make an argument for each player to lead the system. You can even argue that Michael Arroyo, their number four ranked prospect, has the best blend of tools and feel for hitting. Felnin Celesten is about to catch Ethan Salas as the best prospect in the 2023 International class. He looked great in 2024 after an injury-riddled 2023 season.
Finally, there is Jurrangelo Cijntje. He’s a switch pitcher with enough stuff from both sides to pitch in at least Double-A. If you can maintain pitching from both sides into the Major Leagues, he could become the most discussed player in baseball since Shohei Ohtani made his debut in 2018.
Prospect Snapshot
- Top Prospect: Colt Emerson
- Biggest Mover: Felnin Celesten
- Biggest Disappointment: Jonny Farmelo – only because he got hurt.
- Emerging Prospect: Dawel Joseph
