PEORIA, Ariz. — In 2022 the Seattle Mariners selected infielder Cole Young with the 21st overall pick.
Young, the Mariners' top-ranked prospect, said he's learning a lot at his first major league camp. The 20-year-old finished last season at High-A Everett, where he posted a .292/.404/.479 slash line with six home runs, 14 doubles and two triples in 48 games.
"It's cool to see that many good players in that clubhouse," Young said. "It's really cool to be around them."
Mariners manager Scott Servais said Young, who can play shortstop or second base, will play a lot during spring training.
“I think this guy (Cole Young) could be a quick mover through our system," Servais said. "He’s just fundamentally very sound. Love his swing. He’s got a lot of adjustability to his swing, and eventually, he’s going to going to grow into more power as well."
Young is considered by many to be the best pure-hitting prospect in the Mariners farm system.
"I love his swing," Servais said. "He has a lot of adjustability to it and I think eventually he's going to grow into more power as well."
Young said he has been watching shortstop J.P. Crawford closely in camp.
"Watching JP put his arm around him, giving him feedback, that stuff is invaluable," Servais said.
Servais said he expects to play another top prospect, catcher Harry Ford, in spring training. Ford and Young were roommates when they played together in Modesto, California.