Cole Young Garners Praise: Buster Olney Projects Mariners’ Future Star
As the Seattle Mariners navigate their infield setup, one name stands out among the prospects: Cole Young. The young second baseman is not just a hopeful in the organization; he is regarded as the future of the position. This assessment is echoed by well-respected MLB analyst Buster Olney, who recently highlighted Young’s potential during a conversation with Roundtable Sports affiliate Refuse to Lose.
Young’s Promising Skill Set
Olney’s admiration for Young stems from the player’s impressive on-base skills and plate discipline. He argues that such attributes are crucial for success at the highest levels of baseball. “When you look at his particular skill set, I think there’s every reason to believe in him,” Olney commented. He emphasizes the importance of on-base percentage, walks, and strikeouts when evaluating a prospect. “That is a skill that typically translates up the line,” he explained, suggesting that Young’s ability to command the strike zone could bode well for his future.
A Strategic Path Forward
While Olney’s praise is significant, he also recognizes the Mariners’ ongoing pursuit of other infield options, such as Brendan Donovan. This strategy may allow Young, still just 22 years old, to develop further while maintaining a role within the team. Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto has expressed confidence in Young’s readiness, stating he would be “ready to go” by December 2024. However, the pressure may be on for Young to prove himself sooner rather than later, with expectations ramping up as the 2026 season approaches.
Performance Snapshot
In the previous season, Young showcased his talent in 54 games with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, where he posted a solid .277 batting average, along with five home runs, 26 RBIs, and four stolen bases. After his promotion to the Mariners in late May, he played 77 games but struggled offensively, hitting just .211 with four home runs and 24 RBIs. Overall, across both leagues, he finished with 47 hits in 223 at-bats and managed to steal one base.
The Need for Improvement
Despite being the Mariners’ first-round selection in the 2022 MLB Draft, Young’s limited opportunities at the MLB level hampered his ability to showcase his offensive capabilities. The .211 batting average he posted last year can be partially attributed to his sporadic plate appearances. Moving forward, as he gains more consistent at-bats, it will be crucial for Young to elevate his production.
Olney acknowledged this challenge, noting that players with strong minor league performances can sometimes struggle upon reaching the majors. “Cole Young, he had a what? .303 slugging percentage last year? He wasn’t like he was dominant in his time with the Mariners,” he remarked. However, Olney remains optimistic, insisting that players with a solid command of the strike zone tend to develop positively as they gain experience. “Give him the opportunity, he’s only 22 years old,” he concluded, leaving room for hope in Young’s future with the Mariners.
Looking Ahead
As the Mariners continue to evaluate their roster and make strategic moves, the spotlight on Cole Young may only grow brighter. With the right opportunities and adjustments, he could evolve into a key player for the team in the coming years, aligning with Olney’s optimistic forecast.
