Mariners agree to $95 million, 8-year contract with top shortstop prospect Colt Emerson

SEATTLE (AP) — Colt Emerson and the Seattle Mariners agreed Tuesday to a $95 million, eight-year contract, the largest amount for a minor league prospect yet to make his major league debut.

The contract starts this season and includes a team option for 2034. It surpassed outfielder Jackson Chourio’s $82 million, eight-year deal with Milwaukee when he was still a minor leaguer in December 2023.

Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said the team first engaged in contract discussions with Emerson’s agent in spring training, and he was pleased ahead of Seattle’s game Tuesday night against the New York Yankees.

“We felt that this was the right time to put something in front of Colt that kept him a part of what’s happening with the Mariners through the prime years of his career,” Dipoto said. “He has run up the food chain so quickly because of his performance and his maturity, work habits.”

Dipoto also understands there is reason for concern with signing a 20-year-old shortstop to such a contract before he plays in his first major league game.

“It’s a risk on both sides,” Dipoto said. “We see a super-talented player who we believe in.”

The Mariners selected Emerson with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 amateur draft. Emerson entered the season as Baseball America’...