Predicting when Cole Young, Harry Ford will make their major league debuts in 2025

The Seattle Mariners' farm system is once again ranked among the best in the majors, and for good reason. With seven prospects landing in MLB Pipeline's Top 100, Mariners fans are left wondering when they’ll see these young stars make their mark at T-Mobile Park.

While many of Seattle’s top prospects are still young and developing in the minors, two names stand out as likely candidates to make their big-league debuts in 2025. Let’s break down their paths to the show and when fans might expect to see them in a Mariners uniform.

2B/SS Cole Young – Estimated debut: late June 2025

Cole Young didn’t have the breakout spring many hoped for, but the Mariners remain committed to his development and eventual arrival in the big leagues. The 21-year-old put together a .190/.227/.238 slash line over 21 at-bats, with just four hits while striking out eight times.

But while Cole's spring numbers don’t jump off the page, they were never going to be the determining factor in his call-up timeline anyway.

Young is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Tacoma, where he’ll continue developing. With the Mariners still searching for stability at second base, the door is open for him to break through there. Dylan Moore’s struggles this spring have all but handed the keystone job to Ryan Bliss, another young and unproven option. If Bliss performs well, it could buy Young more time to develop. But if Bliss struggles to produce, the Mariners may not hesitate to turn to their 2022 first-round pick.

Seattle has a history of bringing young hitters up before the All-Star Break, giving them a taste of big-league pitching before using one of their options to send them back to Tacoma during the break. If all goes according to plan, Young’s MLB debut could come in late June or early July, setting him up for a second-half impact.

C Harry Ford – Estimated debut: August 2025

Harry Ford’s situation is a bit more complicated — but not for lack of talent on his part. In almost any other organization, Ford would be a no-doubt Opening Day catcher. But in Seattle, he’s blocked by Platinum Glove winner Cal Raleigh. That reality has allowed the Mariners to be patient with Ford’s development. And so far, it’s paying off.

The 2021 first-round pick has been on fire this spring, slashing .471/.571/.706 with eight hits in 17 at-bats heading into Friday's action. That comes with one home run, five RBIs, and three stolen bases. His athleticism is undeniable, and the Mariners have already begun experimenting with him in the corner outfield to create a clearer path to the majors.

So when will Ford arrive in Seattle? That depends on a few factors.

Veteran backup catcher Mitch Garver is in a contract year and, if he performs well, the Mariners could look to move him at the trade deadline, opening the door for Ford to step in. There’s also a chance Seattle keeps Ford as a versatile reserve to ensure his bat consistently finds its way into the lineup.

Regardless of how they make room for him, the Mariners won’t be able to hold Ford down much longer. His steady development, combined with his elite athleticism, makes him a prime candidate for a late-season call-up. If Seattle is in the thick of a playoff race, expect Ford to get the call before September, allowing him to be a key piece of a potential postseason push.

The Mariners have long been known for their ability to develop young talent, and Young and Ford are next in line to make an impact. Young’s path is more straightforward, while Ford’s may require some creative maneuvering — but both should find themselves in Seattle before season’s end.