The Seattle Mariners have signed 20-year-old shortstop prospect Colt Emerson to a record-setting eight-year, $95 million contract, including a club option for a ninth year, marking the largest deal for a player without major league experience. Emerson, currently with Triple-A Tacoma, is expected to replace J.P. Crawford as the team’s future shortstop. This extension follows the Brewers’ recent signing of shortstop Cooper Pratt to an eight-year, $50.75 million deal. The trend of pre-debut extensions indicates that smaller-market teams are making significant investments in their prospects.
