2026 Prospects Thread

[GL_Storm]

Baseball America came out today with their top ten prospects list for the Mariners going into the 2026 season, and since we're nearly mid-way through December I decided this was as good a reason as any to start this thread for 2026. BA will expand this list to 30 I believe right around the time that spring training starts. This is when they'll come out with their Prospect Handbook for 2026, which used to be a big deal but I think is less so these days with so many outlets covering prospects now.

But anyway, here is BA's top ten for the Mariners going into 2026:

1. Colt Emerson, SS
2. Kade Anderson, LHP
3. Lazaro Montes, OF
4. Ryan Sloan, RHP
5. Michael Arroyo, 2B
6. Jonny Farmelo, OF
7. Jurrangelo Cijntje, SHP
8. Luke Stevenson, C
9. Felnin Celesten, SS
10. Tai Peete, OF

For anyone with a subscription, here's the link: https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2 ... =preseason

[D-train]

As the lead singer of Spinal Tap famously once said. These go to ELEVEN......

[D-train]

1st 7 are identical....

[AT Fresno]

l know that Montes has strike out issues, but as far as I am concerned Montes, Emerson, Cade, Sloan, and Stephenson should be pretty much untouchable. I'm surprised to see Tai Peete ranked so high, I know that Farmelo had a good start in the Arizona Fall league, and I'm also intrigued with Dickerson going forward who did not make the top eleven.

[GL_Storm]

I think, broadly, the system isn't as strong right now in depth terms as it has been in years past. And even with the top tier of prospects, there are a lot of questions. Will Colt Emerson hit for power in the majors? What position will Michael Arroyo play? Will Montes make enough contact for his power to play at the major league level? Will Jonny Farmelo stay healthy and on the field enough that he is able to develop and move up through the system?

[D-train]

Adam Jude wrote that Arroyo is now seen as a left fielder by the Mariners. Yeah I've been staying for a while now that I think the farm systems overrated and looking at last year with Cole Young and Williamson that hasn't changed my mind.

[AT Fresno]

Emerson will hit very well at the major league level and Montez has legitimate power, but what makes them untouchable is their temperament, think Cal Raleigh and Edgar Martinez....true Mariners who their teammates and fans will love. Farmelo has been fragile but also a great healer. Arroyo has been slower defensively and not as adept defensively but not over matched at any level. I really like his bat.

[AT Fresno]

Montes' charisma and hustle add clubhouse appeal, but refining zone discipline could accelerate his timeline to a 25-30 HR contributor by 2027.

[HawkandMariner88]

Adam Jude wrote that Arroyo is now seen as a left fielder by the Mariners. Yeah I've been staying for a while now that I think the farm systems overrated and looking at last year with Cole Young and Williamson that hasn't changed my mind.

DT who do you like best. Really intrigued actually by Stevenson. Rooting for Laz but definitely needs to cut down on strikeouts.

[GL_Storm]

Adam Jude wrote that Arroyo is now seen as a left fielder by the Mariners. Yeah I've been staying for a while now that I think the farm systems overrated and looking at last year with Cole Young and Williamson that hasn't changed my mind.

I think it's a good farm system, but not really great in terms of depth when you look at prospects outside the Top 15 or so. That isn't radically different than all the other orgs; it's not like any team is stashing all these future all-stars deep in their minor league systems. But it would be nice if there were some louder tools in that group, just because a lot of times that's the group you're hoping to trade from.