Dan Wilson lays down a key challenge for Mariners' upcoming third base battle

As the offseason progresses, the more likely it seems that the Mariners won't be looking for extra help at third base. The remaining free agents are simply unappealing and on the trade front, Seattle has been more focused on getting a deal done to bolster second base than anything else.

Instead, the organization will rely on its internal options, and there are two possible candidates that could be asked to step up: Ben Williamson and Colt Emerson. The former had a decent rookie campaign despite lackluster offensive numbers thanks to his stellar fielding ability, and the latter is one of the most highly-rated prospects in baseball. Picking who to give playing time won't be an easy decision, but thankfully manager Dan Wilson clued us into what will be driving his decision-making process.

When it comes to choosing the team's starting third baseman, power production will play a significant role

In a recent interview with Seattle Sports, Wilson discussed what he's hoping to see out of his young players in 2026 and highlighted that power will be what ultimately pushes Williamson into the top spot in the depth chart if he can keep up the good work he started in the second half of last season. He slugged just .310 across his 295 big league plate appearances, but slugged .510 across his final 180 plate appearances in Triple-A.

Williamson spoke about what adjustments he had been making to his swing to get more lift and power during his stint with Triple-A Tacoma, crediting hitting coach Shawn O'Malley with helping him take a meaningful step forward at the plate.

As for Emerson, Wilson is waiting to see how he'll handle his reps in spring training, especially since the World Baseball Classic will clear the way for more playing time. He slugged a respectable .458 over 600 minor league plate appearances last year, and although he's known more for his pure hit tool than sheer pop, he went from just four homers in 2024 to 16 homers in 2025.

Like first base, third base is a position in the lineup that typically has higher power expectations. The Mariners tried to install a more traditional player in the role at last year's trade deadline, acquiring Eugenio Suárez, but he failed to live up to expectations.

Williamson and Emerson profile more similarly to middle infielders than third basemen, but both are talented players with versatile skillsets that the Mariners plan on utilizing to their full potential. It won't be clear who'll get the starting job until the team has enough data to make an educated decision but either way, the fans will get to see plenty of promising potential in Seattle's hot corner.