Mariners land most prospects on Pipeline’s Top 100

The Seattle Mariners’ farm system has been touted as having the most top-100 prospects in baseball by another publication.

Salk: How Seattle Mariners can realistically finish their roster this offseason

MLB Pipeline ranked seven M’s farmhands in its initial top-100 prospect rankings of 2025 on Friday, which tied for a share of the league high with the Chicago Cubs. Baseball America also ranked seven Seattle prospects in its top 100 earlier in the week. Pipeline’s rankings encompassed the same grouping of seven position players as Baseball America.

Shortstop/third baseman Colt Emerson lead the way at No. 20 in Pipeline’s rankings. Outfielder Lazaro Montes (42), shortstop/second baseman Cole Young (49), catcher Harry Ford (65), shortstop Felnin Celesten (78), outfielder Jonny Farmelo (96) and second baseman/shortstop Michael Arroyo (98) rounded out the M’s top prospects.

The publication broke down each farm system by prospect points, awarding 100 points for the No. 1 prospect, 99 for No. 2 and so on. Seattle checked in at fifth with 263 points. The White Sox led the way with 364. The Tigers, Dodgers and Red Sox were also above the M’s.

Here’s what Pipeline had to say about the Seattle’s top prospects.

“The Mariners are known for developing pitchers, having led the Majors in ERA and innings among starters in 2024, but their farm system is loaded with hitters. Seattle has thrived both in the Draft and on the international market by emphasizing up-the-middle defenders. In particular, the Mariners found gems with their first-round picks in 2021 with catcher Harry Ford (No. 65), 2022 with shortstop Cole Young (No. 49) and 2023 with shortstop Colt Emerson (No. 20) and center fielder Jonny Farmelo (No. 96).

Their largest signings on the international market have also panned out well. Shortstop Felnin Celesten (No. 74), the second-ranked prospect in the 2023 international class, has emerged as a top talent before playing in full-season ball, while fellow infielder Michael Arroyo (No. 98), a Top 50 international prospect in 2022, has thrived across two Class A levels. Lazaro Montes (No. 42) is a future corner outfielder (or DH) who has developed into one of the game’s premier power prospects after signing for $2.5 million in 2022.”

Risers, fallers and newcomers

After skyrocketing up the rankings last year, Emerson made the biggest jump among Seattle prospects from Pipeline’s final rankings of 2024. Emerson moved up seven spots. Montes also climbed five spots.

Ford had the biggest fall, dropping 16 spots. Celesten moved down 12 places and Young 11.

Farmelo and Arroyo were newcomers to the list.

Seattle Mariners in the top 100

No. 20 SS/3B Colt Emerson

Age: 19. B/T: L/R. 2024 Level: High-A. MLB ETA: 2026. 2024 stats: .263/.393/.376, 4 HR, 15 SB (70 games)

No. 42 OF Lazaro Montes

Age: 20. B/T: L/R. 2024 Level: High-A. MLB ETA: 2026. 2024 stats: .288/.397/.484, 21 HR (116 games)

No. 49 SS/2B Cole Young

Age: 21. B/T: L/R. 2024 Level: Double-A. MLB ETA: 2025. 2024 stats: .271/.369/.390, 9 HR, 23 SB (124 games)

No. 65 C Harry Ford

Age: 21. B/T: R/R. 2024 Level: Double-A. MLB ETA: 2025. 2024 stats: .249/.377/.367, 7 HR, 35 SB (116 games)

No. 74 SS Felnin Celesten

Age: 19. B/T: S/R. 2024 Level: Arizona Complex League. MLB ETA: 2028. 2024 stats: .352/.431/.568, 3 HR, 5 SB (32 games)

No. 96 OF Jonny Farmelo

Age: 20. B/T: L/R. 2024 Level: Low-A. MLB ETA: 2028. 2024 stats: .264/.398/.421, 4 HR, 18 SB (46 games)

No. 98 2B/SS Michael Arroyo

Age: 20. B/T: R/R. 2024 Level: High-A. MLB ETA: 2026. 2024 stats: .285/.400/.509, 23 HR, 18 SB (120 games)

Seattle Mariners news and analysis

• Why Félix Hernández could see a big jump in HOF voting next year
• HOF election ‘a special day’ for former Seattle Mariners star Ichiro
• Alex Bregman’s landing spot could determine who the M’s trade for
• Ex-Seattle Mariners standout Paul Sewald signs with a new team
• Seattle Mariners announce festivities, giveaways around Ichiro No. 51 retirement

Related

Amsinger: Why the Mariners will win the AL West titleRecap: Cal Raleigh homers again as Mariners beat Phillies 4-1George Kirby’s gem helps Mariners gain ground in playoff raceMariners Roster Move: J.P. Crawford returns from 10-day ILPassan: What stood out about Mariners rookie pitcher Kade AndersonWhat They Said: Mariners on Cal Raleigh after his 3-HR game