Mariners make MLB roster decision on new $95 million top prospect

The Seattle Mariners have finally turned the corner and look like true World Series contenders after making it to the doorstep of their first pennant last season.

They made a few big offseason moves, but one of their more interesting decisions came shortly into the new year, as they extended Colt Emerson, their top prospect, on a $95 million deal with incentives, taking it to $130 million according to Robert Murray of Fansided.com.

Emerson is still in the minor leagues and hasn't made his MLB debut yet. But, after this deal, many naturally wondered if he'd get the call. ESPN's Jeff Passan revealed the Mariners decision on Emerson following this big deal.

Mariners make MLB decision on Colt Emerson

"Top shortstop prospect Colt Emerson's eight-year, $95 million contract extension with the Seattle Mariners will be done this afternoon, sources tell ESPN. Emerson will remain at Triple-A for now but is clearly a big part of Seattle's future," Passan reports.

This is a massive new deal for Emerson, and yet, he's sticking in the minor leagues for now. Seattle will have a player earning $95 million, who's healthy, playing in the minor leagues for now.

While Emerson might be called up sooner than later, there's no telling the Mariners specific plans with their shortstop beyond that he's not getting the MLB call just yet.

The 20-year-old shortstop prospect looks like one of the better prospects in MLB, and he's likely on the cusp of a Major League debut.

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However, even after his $95 million contract extension, he's going to have to wait a little while longer before he can make his debut.

Last season in the minor leagues, he had an .841 OPS and a .284 batting average in 130 games played, including a few in Triple-A.

Seattle is investing a lot into this team, with the Brendan Donovan trade and Josh Naylor signing this offseason being two key moves to show they're serious about contending.

This $95 million Emerson extension is another example of the Mariners organization viewing now just 2026 as a contending year, but the subsequent seasons as years where they can seriously contend for a World Series.

While the Mariners are extending Emerson on a massive deal, he's going to stay in the minor leagues for now, according to this report from Passan. It's an interesting decision, and one to keep track of as Seattle weighs when to call up their top prospect this year.

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