Saturday, March 07

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PEORIA, Ariz. -- The World Baseball Classic is off and running, and an MLB-high 18 players within the Mariners organization have already departed to take part in the premier international event.

That should make for a quieter camp over the next two weeks, but it will also come with enhanced opportunities for playing time.

So, although fans flocking to Arizona won’t get to see Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez and many other stars from the Opening Day roster until they return, there’s still plenty of player storylines to follow -- for the immediate and long term.

Here are a few groups of guys who could seize the extended looks they’ll get during this WBC stretch:

The top prospects

This camp has already been headlined by infielder Colt Emerson and starting pitchers Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan -- who were revealed as Seattle’s top three prospects, in order, within MLB Pipeline’s rankings unveiled on Wednesday.

And their spotlight should continue to grow.

Emerson has seen the most playing time among the 35 position players in camp, including WBC players, with a team-high 23 plate appearances after Thursday's 27-6 loss to the Padres. He’s also played in three games at third base and five at shortstop while J.P. Crawford eases back after dealing with a sore throwing shoulder.

Emerson is probably on the outside looking in for the Opening Day roster, simply because there aren’t enough infield spots to go around. That, and the Mariners are already showing that they want him to play every day.

Anderson, meanwhile, will make his second Cactus League start on Friday against the Rangers and look to build upon his impressive, 30-pitch debut in which he struck out three San Diego regulars in his first inning. The same goes for Sloan, who was electric in his first outing on Sunday when following Logan Gilbert in relief, though he hasn’t yet been slotted for his next appearance.

The arms are further away from The Show than Emerson, but they’re bolstering their chances for contributing at some point in ‘26.

The backup catchers

Seattle’s one true position battle could be decided during this WBC stretch, as Mitch Garver and Andrew Knizner have accounted for each of Seattle’s four starts since Raleigh departed to join Team USA on Sunday.

Garver, who didn’t arrive in camp until Feb. 19, is behind in playing time (two games) than Knizner (six), but their reps should even out over the next two weeks.

This decision won’t necessarily come down to offensive performance, but more chiefly, a rapport with the pitching staff, where the incumbent Garver has the leg up. It could also come down to dollars, as Knizner is earning a guaranteed $1 million after signing a one-year Major League contract, while Garver is on a Minor League pact that isn’t guaranteed but will pay him $2.25 million if he appears in the big leagues.

Garver has an opt-out on March 21, at which point he could face a decision to look elsewhere or be open to beginning the year at Triple-A Tacoma, if Knizner is the frontrunner to break camp.

The relief bucket

Seattle’s bullpen has maybe 1-2 spots up for grabs, but a closer look at each candidate’s roster flexibility suggests arms like Cooper Criswell and Casey Legumina -- who are out of Minor League options -- will solidify those.

The Mariners prioritize organizational bullpen depth in April more than any month because of the volatility that comes with needing reinforcements so early in the season, and the possibility of losing out-of-options players to the waiver wire.

That said, the next-in-line group could make a strong impression to be considered should those moments arise early in the regular season. That group includes Alex Hoppe, Ryan Loutos, Robinson Ortiz, Josh Simpson, Troy Taylor and Cole Wilcox.

The upper Minor Leaguers

If Emerson is atop the depth chart for those just outside the 26-man roster, there’s a throng of other infielders and outfielders right behind him that could be in play should injuries arise in the regular season.

Ryan Bliss is the easy one to identify, given that he broke camp last year before being derailed by biceps and meniscus surgeries. Brennen Davis, meanwhile, has been one of this spring’s best producers, already 8-for-18 with two homers. Patrick Wisdom has also gone deep twice, including a 443-foot blast on Thursday that cleared the batter’s eye. Defensively, Rhylan Thomas has made quite an impression in the outfield.

While these players won’t necessarily be key contributors in 2026, there’s typically blips in the six-month schedule where they might be needed in a pinch.

Our friends over at MLB Pipeline shared two big news items this week headlining the Mariners -- the Top 30 prospect rankings for 2026 on Wednesday, and the Spring Breakout player pool reveal on Thursday.

Here’s a peek at the very top of the system, while the full rankings are available here. 

1. Colt Emerson, SS (MLB No. 9)

2. Kade Anderson, LHP (MLB No. 21)

3. Ryan Sloan, RHP (MLB No. 33)

4. Lazaro Montes, OF (MLB No. 43)

5. Michael Arroyo, INF (MLB No. 67)

Each among this group is also slated to take part in Breakout -- set for Friday, March 20, against the top prospects from the Brewers organization. Tickets for that game at American Family Fields of Phoenix are available here.

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Opening Day

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Can’t-Miss Events

Lock in your seats for this year’s biggest celebrations and giveaways. Buy tickets »

• Cal “60 HR” Bobblehead Night presented by Alaska Airlines -- March 28

• Ichiro Replica Statue Night presented by BDA -- April 10

• Randy Johnson Number Retirement Night -- May 2

• 50 Seasons Celebration Night -- Aug. 8

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