The Seattle Mariners saw a standout performance from second baseman Cole Young on March 21, as he hit two home runs during the team’s 20-8 victory over the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark.
Young’s performance is notable as it comes just before Opening Day and after the return of all 18 Mariners players who participated in the World Baseball Classic. The team played with most of its regulars, preparing for their upcoming season opener against the Guardians at T-Mobile Park.
Young, who was selected with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft, has shown power throughout Spring Training. His two home runs on Friday brought his total to six in Cactus League play, leading the team. He also contributed a two-run double and now leads the Mariners with 18 RBIs this spring. Last year, Young made headlines by hitting a 456-foot home run at T-Mobile Park, which was farther than any other Mariners player managed that season.
Reflecting on his rookie year struggles and recent progress, Young said recently: “I definitely struggled with that last year. Obviously, when I got called up, I wanted to produce instantly, and like, I wanted to show that I can play at this level. And, yeah, it definitely made it tough when you’re also competing for a playoff spot. So that was something I feel like I could have done better last year, is just stick to my process more. And usually, whenever I stick to my process, good things happen.”
Despite losing his starting job late last season to Jorge Polanco, Young entered camp atop the depth chart for second base this spring. The club added veteran Brendan Donovan to play third base but kept faith in Young’s potential.
With Opening Day approaching and Young showing strong form—batting .294 with a .368 on-base percentage and a .725 slugging percentage—the Mariners appear optimistic about his contributions for the upcoming season.
