Mariners' latest roster projection is missing the 1 name fans want to see

It feels like spring training has just gotten started, but meaningful baseball is just around the corner. The first few games of the World Baseball Classic pool play have already been played and Opening Day is just three weeks away. The Mariners still have time to make final roster decisions before the regular season but, initial estimates are omitting one key name.

Colt Emerson is noticeably missing from recent Opening Day roster projections

Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times recently published his take on what the Mariners will look like when the regular season finally rolls around on March 26, and Colt Emerson was not one of the six infielders listed. This aligns with FanGraphs' RosterResource tool, which has him projected to start in Triple-A.

It's tempting to assume that this is simply due to spring training numbers. While prospects like Kevin McGonigle and Konnor Griffin have lived up to the hype thus far, Emerson has struggled to be as impressive. Across eight games, he's slashing .222/.250/.333 with just one extra-base hit. His .583 OPS is 30th among everyone who has made at least one plate appearance for the organization.

However, this is a small sample of just 20 plate appearances and spring training is more about warming up and getting reps than it is about inflating numbers. The more significant obstacle standing between Emerson and an Opening Day call-up is a lack of room on the roster. It's very possible that he could be ready for the big leagues before Seattle has a place for him.

To be fair, this uncertainty around Seattle's top prospect isn't exactly new. There's still a chance that Cole Young, who's having spring training troubles of his own, gives Emerson a chance to take his place if he isn't able to turn things around offensively. Furthermore, J.P. Crawford's shoulder issue could also help his cause.

Ultimately, this is a good problem to have. The Mariners have sufficient infield talent that is expected to take them where they need to go and if not, they have a young and promising elite prospect waiting in the wings for his chance to prove himself.

For fans, it may be disappointing to have to wait even longer to see Emerson take the field. But if he continues the trajectory he has been on over the past few years, it won't be long before he does get the call.