Which prospects could make a big leap for Mariners in 2025?

The Mariners have graduated so much farm talent in recent years that it feels as though the well should be running dry. After all, Seattle has placed 36 different players in MLB.com’s Top 100 over the past 20 years.

Somehow, the Mariners still have a wealth of offensive and pitching talent in the system. Savvy draft picks, international scouting, and strong player development have the Mariners pushing for Top 5 farm system status for the first time since 2022. Beyond the notable names, though, lurks unheralded talent waiting to break out.

The Mariners’ farm system features a trove of players on the cusp of a breakout season

Michael Arroyo, 2B/SS

To be fair, Michael Arroyo is far from unheralded, but the 20-year-old infielder could use a big season to break away from the pack. Currently, he is in the middle infield mix with three Top 100 prospects: Colt Emerson, Cole Young, and Felnin Celestin. To avoid the pileup, Arroyo is already getting more time at second base and could see some action at third.

Second base seems to suit Arroyo, who has a higher fielding percentage and range factor at the position than at short. At 5-foot-8, 160 pounds, he would be a player in the mold of Jose Altuve, whose blend of patience and power are starting to become evident in Arroyo. (To be fair, he is much more often and more accurately compared to Howie Kendrick.) With High-A Everett, Arroyo actually got better, maintaining his .397 on-base percentage while raising his slugging by more than 70 points.

While the power surge doesn’t seem sustainable, Arroyo has already proven himself to be an intriguing prospect with a high ceiling, but his youth could put the Mariners in an uncomfortable position. Even if he storms up the minor league ladder, he likely won’t arrive in Seattle until late 2026 or 2027. This season could be the key to convincing the Mariners to wait on his development (or another club to make a push for a trade).

For what it’s worth, Baseball America tabbed Arroyo as the Mariners’ second baseman of the future, forming a double-play combo with Young while Emerson slides over to third. It’s possible that all three are on a collision course at Double-A this year as Young struggled at the level in 2024. Emerson’s Arizona Fall League breakout could be enough to push him through to Arkansas alongside Arroyo in early 2025.