Infield options for next year
Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2026 10:01 pm
The hot stove is heating up, and for a team like the Mariners, the infield configuration for 2026 is the biggest puzzle on the board. We have a massive fork in the road: do we spend big on a proven international star like Kazuma Okamoto, or do we trust the kids, Ben Williamson and Cole Young, to lock down the 2B and 3B spots?
Here’s a breakdown of the options currently on the table.
1. The External Splash: Kazuma Okamoto (3B/1B)
Okamoto is the "safe" high-floor slugger coming over from the Yomiuri Giants. Unlike some other international targets, he isn't just a "swing and miss" power hitter; he brings a very disciplined approach.
• Expected Cost: Projections sit around 4 years, $64 million (approx. $16M AAV).
• 2025 NPB Stats (Shortened by injury): .327/.416/.598 with 15 HR in 69 games.
The Pros:
◦ Elite Bat-to-Ball: Boasted a 11.3% K rate and 11.3% BB rate in 2025.
◦ Proven Power: Has 248 career HRs in Japan; projects as a .800+ OPS middle-of-the-order bat.
◦ High Floor: Scouts view him as a more stable adjustment to MLB velocity compared to other high-risk power hitters.
The Cons:
◦ Defensive Questions: While he has NPB Gold Gloves at 3B, some MLB scouts see him as a liability there and think he's better suited for 1B or DH.
◦ Speed: Near-zero threat on the bases.
2. The Internal Glue: Ben Williamson (3B)
After debuting in April 2025, Williamson showed he belongs in the big leagues—at least with the glove. He’s the "Matt Duffy" type who provides stability.
• Expected Cost: Pre-Arb (League minimum, approx. $780k - $800k).
• 2025 MLB Stats: .253/.294/.310, 1 HR, 5 SB (1.3 WAR in ~85 games).
The Pros:
◦ Elite Defense: 60-grade fielding and arm. He is a vacuum at the hot corner.
◦ Contact Specialist: Very low chase rate and high contact percentage.
The Cons:
◦ Lack of Power: Only 1 HR in nearly 300 PAs last year. He needs to find a way to lift the ball to be a true everyday corner infielder.
◦ Low Ceiling: Currently profiles more as a high-end utility man or bottom-of-the-order starter.
3. The Future: Cole Young (2B/SS)
The organization’s crown jewel in the middle infield. He got his feet wet in 2025 and is expected to be the long-term solution at second base.
• Expected Cost: Pre-Arb (League minimum).
• 2025 MLB Stats: .211/.302/.305, 4 HR, 1 SB.
The Pros:
◦ Advanced Hit Tool: 60-grade potential; known for one of the "prettiest swings" in his draft class.
◦ OBP Potential: Even while struggling with the average last year, he maintained a decent walk rate (4 walks in a single game vs. Tampa).
◦ Age: Just 22 years old; massive room for physical growth.
The Cons:
◦ Growing Pains: His .211 average shows he’s still adjusting to MLB pitching.
◦ Limited Power/Speed: Not an explosive athlete; relies on "playing the game the right way" rather than raw tools.
The Big Question
If you’re the front office, do you commit $60M+ to Okamoto to secure a proven bat at 3B, potentially pushing Williamson to a bench/utility role and letting Cole Young sink or swim at 2B? Or do you keep the money for the rotation/bullpen and let the "Young & Williamson" era begin in earnest?
Would you rather have:
1 Okamoto (3B) & Young (2B) — Big power, but higher payroll and defensive risk at 3B.
2 Williamson (3B) & Young (2B) — Elite defense and cheap, but a very "light" bottom of the order.
What do you think? Would you pull the trigger on the Japan-to-Seattle pipeline again?
Here’s a breakdown of the options currently on the table.
1. The External Splash: Kazuma Okamoto (3B/1B)
Okamoto is the "safe" high-floor slugger coming over from the Yomiuri Giants. Unlike some other international targets, he isn't just a "swing and miss" power hitter; he brings a very disciplined approach.
• Expected Cost: Projections sit around 4 years, $64 million (approx. $16M AAV).
• 2025 NPB Stats (Shortened by injury): .327/.416/.598 with 15 HR in 69 games.
The Pros:
◦ Elite Bat-to-Ball: Boasted a 11.3% K rate and 11.3% BB rate in 2025.
◦ Proven Power: Has 248 career HRs in Japan; projects as a .800+ OPS middle-of-the-order bat.
◦ High Floor: Scouts view him as a more stable adjustment to MLB velocity compared to other high-risk power hitters.
The Cons:
◦ Defensive Questions: While he has NPB Gold Gloves at 3B, some MLB scouts see him as a liability there and think he's better suited for 1B or DH.
◦ Speed: Near-zero threat on the bases.
2. The Internal Glue: Ben Williamson (3B)
After debuting in April 2025, Williamson showed he belongs in the big leagues—at least with the glove. He’s the "Matt Duffy" type who provides stability.
• Expected Cost: Pre-Arb (League minimum, approx. $780k - $800k).
• 2025 MLB Stats: .253/.294/.310, 1 HR, 5 SB (1.3 WAR in ~85 games).
The Pros:
◦ Elite Defense: 60-grade fielding and arm. He is a vacuum at the hot corner.
◦ Contact Specialist: Very low chase rate and high contact percentage.
The Cons:
◦ Lack of Power: Only 1 HR in nearly 300 PAs last year. He needs to find a way to lift the ball to be a true everyday corner infielder.
◦ Low Ceiling: Currently profiles more as a high-end utility man or bottom-of-the-order starter.
3. The Future: Cole Young (2B/SS)
The organization’s crown jewel in the middle infield. He got his feet wet in 2025 and is expected to be the long-term solution at second base.
• Expected Cost: Pre-Arb (League minimum).
• 2025 MLB Stats: .211/.302/.305, 4 HR, 1 SB.
The Pros:
◦ Advanced Hit Tool: 60-grade potential; known for one of the "prettiest swings" in his draft class.
◦ OBP Potential: Even while struggling with the average last year, he maintained a decent walk rate (4 walks in a single game vs. Tampa).
◦ Age: Just 22 years old; massive room for physical growth.
The Cons:
◦ Growing Pains: His .211 average shows he’s still adjusting to MLB pitching.
◦ Limited Power/Speed: Not an explosive athlete; relies on "playing the game the right way" rather than raw tools.
The Big Question
If you’re the front office, do you commit $60M+ to Okamoto to secure a proven bat at 3B, potentially pushing Williamson to a bench/utility role and letting Cole Young sink or swim at 2B? Or do you keep the money for the rotation/bullpen and let the "Young & Williamson" era begin in earnest?
Would you rather have:
1 Okamoto (3B) & Young (2B) — Big power, but higher payroll and defensive risk at 3B.
2 Williamson (3B) & Young (2B) — Elite defense and cheap, but a very "light" bottom of the order.
What do you think? Would you pull the trigger on the Japan-to-Seattle pipeline again?
