Crawford's Shoulder Woes: Mariners Face Tough Decisions

As Opening Day approaches on March 26 against Cleveland, the Seattle Mariners are facing uncertainty regarding shortstop J.P. Crawford's availability due to a lingering right shoulder issue. Despite clean imaging and a low concern level reported by Justin Hollander, Crawford's continued absence from Cactus League games necessitates a consultation with Dr. Keith Meister, casting doubt on his readiness.

Crawford was a crucial player in 2025, playing 157 games and demonstrating his importance to the team's structure. His significant contributions, including setting a franchise record for games played at shortstop, underscore his value even as his defense saw a slight decline last year. The team is actively evaluating infield alternatives.

Manager Dan Wilson has mentioned Colt Emerson, Leo Rivas, Brock Rodden, and Cole Young as potential infield replacements. Colt Emerson, Seattle's top prospect and MLB Pipeline's No. 9 overall prospect, has shown promise this spring. However, asking him to fill an immediate Opening Day role due to Crawford's injury presents a different scenario than his natural development.

While Crawford could recover in time, the Mariners are treating this situation with seriousness, acknowledging that their stabilizing starting shortstop might not be ready for Opening Day. The team is exploring short-term solutions like Leo Rivas while assessing the broader implications of this developing situation.