Cole Young's horrid slump could actually be perfectly timed for Mariners

For most of the summer, rookie Cole Young looked every bit like the Seattle Mariners’ long-term answer at second base. His bat often spoke louder than his glove, and given the black hole that the position has been in Seattle for years, fans and the front office alike were more than willing to let a few defensive blemishes slide in exchange for steady offensive production.

However, Young has entered into the humbling phase of baseball. Over his last 12 games, he has gone ice-cold, collecting just two hits in 33 at-bats. His August line tells the story: .179/.343/.268 with a lone home run and nine RBIs. The on-base percentage shows he’s still competing — drawing walks, grinding out plate appearances — but the kind of consistent production the Mariners need during a playoff chase simply hasn’t been there.

Mariners rookie Cole Young’s slump opens door for surprise second base shakeup

Seattle has already begun easing Jorge Polanco back into the mix at the keystone, but relying on him to shoulder an everyday load feels unrealistic given his recurring health issues. That’s where Ryan Bliss enters the conversation.

On paper, Bliss doesn’t carry the flash of a savior. His .214/.287/.367 line over 44 career games won’t quicken any pulses. But his game has always been about more than numbers in a small sample. He brings a slick glove, aggressive instincts on the bases, and just enough sneaky pop to keep pitchers honest (three career homers in limited action). The Mariners haven’t yet had the chance to see him fully unleashed, and with his rehab assignment underway, the timing suddenly feels significant.

Would Dan Wilson actually pull the plug on Young this late in the year? Probably not outright. But if Bliss gets hot, Seattle could flirt with a platoon, using Bliss as a right-handed complement and late-inning speed option. It’s not a scenario anyone would have predicted a month ago, but it’s the kind of flexibility that could matter down the stretch.

Young’s slump is hardly the death knell of his rookie campaign. If anything, it might open the door for the Mariners to maximize their roster at precisely the right time. Whether it’s Bliss injecting fresh energy, Polanco stringing together healthy at-bats, or Young finding his footing again, Seattle has plenty of options. And in the middle of a playoff race, having more paths forward is the kind of problem any contender would gladly take.