Mariners top prospect named as possible centerpiece of blockbuster trade

All offseason for the Mariners, it has been expected that the team would be adding offense. With the outfield set, there are a few positions that have glaring holes that Jerry Dipoto could look to address.

We have talked about the need for a corner infielder, preferably a third baseman after the decision to non-tender Josh Rojas, as well as a first baseman or DH. The team also must address second base, which has been an issue ... basically since Robinson Cano.

Unfortunately, it seems like fans will have to just deal with some sort of platoon at second this year as Ken Rosenthal stated they were most likely going to go with a pairing of Ryan Bliss and Dylan Moore. This seems like a stopgap until some of the top prospects, namely Cole Young, can force their way onto the major league roster.

With that comes a tough decision for Dipoto: do you wait for your young prospects to make it to the big leagues and give you a cheap solution? Or do you package these prospects in hopes of finding a more proven solution to address a revolving door at second base?

Bleacher Report names Cole Young a top prospect who could be dealt at the 2024-25 Winter Meetings

Bleacher Report thinks the latter could be wise as they named Cole Young one of the top prospects of a Winter Meeting blockbuster deal. Young has shown an advanced approach at every level of the minor leagues and has consistently moved his way up prospect rankings.

The ceiling might not be that of Colt Emerson, but Young's 60-grade hit, 55-run, 55-arm and 50-field tools show a player that may not do any one thing at an elite level but should be solid all around. The former first-round pick hasn't topped 11 home runs in a single season in the minor leagues but has stolen 20+ bases in each of the last two years with a pair of really solid slash lines — .271/.369/.390 in 2024 and .277/.399/.448 in 2023.

Young should be able to fetch a solid player in return and could headline such a deal. He could also be the co-headliner in a move for a true blockbuster trade if the team were to get really aggressive. Either way, Young should significantly affect the 2025 club, whether directly or indirectly. The way he impacts the Mariners will be entirely up to Dipoto and his ability to operate within the confines set forth by a stringent ownership group.