Mariners Spring Training: Rising prospects, Jorge Polanco at third, Andrés Muñoz's new pitch

The Seattle Mariners gave fans plenty to be excited about over the weekend. Depending on your perspective, it was a newsworthy couple of days filled with promising performances and glimpses of what the future might hold.

For those holding their breath wondering what that excitement means, fear not. There were no controversial soundbites this time. Instead, the talking came in the form of action on the baseball field.

Emerson and Ford Make Their Mark

Colt Emerson and Harry Ford showcased their power in thrilling fashion on Saturday.

With the Mariners trailing the Chicago Cubs in the top of the ninth, Emerson went to the plate with the same approach that has defined him, hunting for his pitch, staying true to his swing mechanics, and putting the ball in play. After taking a slider, the 19-year-old jumped on a fastball, launching it over the right field wall at 112 mph.

Mariners legend and Senior Director of Hitting Strategy Edgar Martinez took notice, admitting to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times that he couldn’t hit the ball that hard when he was Emerson's age.

Not to be outdone, Harry Ford flexed his power earlier in the game with a 106 mph blast. Ford has been working to consistently tap into his strength. Both players, known for needing to unlock their power, put their growth on display in a way that should have fans buzzing.

Jorge Polanco Debuts at Third Base

Also on Saturday, Jorge Polanco made his long-awaited debut at third base, a new chapter in his second year with the organization. Polanco is transitioning from his usual second base position as he recovers from knee surgery.

Reports indicate he’s feeling good and ready to go. He acknowledged (per Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports) playing a little fast, but is eager to settle into the position. To add to the weekend’s excitement, he joined the home run party with Emerson and Ford, launching his first of spring training. A healthy Polanco is a potentially major asset for the Mariners, as he aims to prove that last season’s struggles were an anomaly.

The "Kick Changeup" Emerges

Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz gave fans a glimpse of the potential new weapon in his arsenal, the "kick changeup." Facing Jordan Beck of the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, Muñoz unleashed a pitch that clocked in at 91.4 mph with a 5.1-inch vertical drop.

The pitch demonstrated its potential, featuring strong tunneling that mirrors his fastball before diving at the plate. If Muñoz can refine this pitch, it could become a devastating put-away option, further cementing his reputation as one of the game’s top closers. Already coming off an All-Star season, the addition of the kick changeup could push Muñoz into elite territory among MLB relievers.

This weekend, the Mariners chose the perfect time to showcase their potential, not only for 2025 but for the years beyond. While teams often generate headlines with words, this time Seattle’s players let their talent speak for itself. With just a couple of weeks left in spring training, these performances are worth keeping an eye on, as they may provide an early indication of just how competitive the Mariners will be in the 2025 season.