2023 first-round pick is pressuring Mariners for a promotion after Montes, Arroyo

On Monday, SoDo Mojo's Levi Coovert wrote about how Lazaro Montes and Michael Arroyo were finally getting well-deserved opportunities to show what they can do in Double-A Arkansas. They have been two of the Seattle Mariners' hottest prospects this year, with both raking the ball consistently in High-A Everett.

What's interesting about this, though, is that Montes and Arroyo are leaving behind Colt Emerson, who entered the 2025 season as the No. 1 prospect in the Mariners organization by MLB Pipeline. This understandably leads to the question of how soon Emerson can/should expect a reunion with his teammates in Arkansas?

Colt Emerson aiming to follow Montes and Arroyo sooner than later

On a very basic level for this season to date, the Mariners' 22nd overall draft pick from 2023 has paled in comparison with the bat in Everett. Emerson has produced seven home runs and 34 RBI on the way to a .800 OPS in 63 games, while Montes has 18, 50 and .959 in 67 games and Arroyo has 15, 39 and .934 in 65 games.

It's only fair to factor in that at 19, Emerson is a year younger than Montes and Arroyo, although it should also be noted all three are currently projected to make it to the majors sometime during the 2026 season. In any event, the Mariners' top-rated prospect has been in fine form himself of late with a 1.204 OPS since June 5 as he looks to put pressure on the organization for a promotion of his own.

People have been paying attention to Emerson, who on Monday was named High-A Northwest Player of the Week for the period of June 16-22. He batted .529 in five games for the AquaSox, as he recorded two home runs, a couple of doubles and four RBI, while also adding three walks and a trio of runs.

Clearly the mechanical change mentioned by MiLB writer Chris Clegg above has made Emerson more successful at the plate. This has in turn helped the Zanesville, Ohio native look more like the player who was voted the best pure hitter in the minors in an annual poll by MLB Pipeline.

Mariners top rated prospect also getting it done defensively

As if this isn't enough, Emerson has also regularly shown what he is capable of at shortstop. There is the possibility he could eventually be moved to third base and he has seen some action at the hot corner, but wherever he ends up, he has a strong chance to become an excellent defensive player:

In our opinion, there's no need to rush Emerson's move to Double-A Arkansas, with it first of all being better if he continues to show his improved hitting for an extended period of time in Everett. However, we do anticipate him getting the call at some point this season, especially with the fierce competitor in him undoubtedly even more motivated now after seeing Montes and Arroyo promoted.