
Introduction: Cole Young’s Power Surge Turns Heads in MLB
In a season brimming with unexpected breakout performances, Seattle Mariners prospect Cole Young made headlines with a massive solo home run against the Texas Rangers, followed by an RBI triple and a jaw-dropping 470-foot bomb that left fans in awe. The 20-year-old infielder showcased both power and poise, affirming his status as a rising star in Major League Baseball.
This article dives deep into Cole Young’s performance vs the Rangers, the significance of his 470-foot homer, his RBI production, and what it all means for his MLB future. Whether you’re a Mariners fan, fantasy baseball enthusiast, or just a prospect junkie, you’ll find value in this analysis.
Who is Cole Young? A Quick Profile
Full Name: Cole Douglas Young
Age: 20 (Born July 29, 2003)
Position: Shortstop / Second Base
Team: Seattle Mariners
Drafted: 1st Round, 21st Overall, 2022 MLB Draft
Height/Weight: 6’0”, 180 lbs
Bats/Throws: Left / Right
MLB Debut: 2025 (Expected)
Cole Young came into the league with high expectations, known for his contact hitting, plate discipline, and solid glove up the middle. But his recent power display vs the Texas Rangers added a new dimension to his evolving profile.
Solo Homer vs Rangers: A Statement Shot
In the 5th inning of a closely contested game against the Texas Rangers, Young launched a solo home run deep into right field. The shot came on a 2-1 count fastball, where Young showed excellent timing and bat speed.
Why This Home Run Mattered:
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It tied the game 3-3 at a critical moment.
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Came off veteran pitcher Jon Gray, adding credibility to Young’s bat.
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Demonstrated his ability to hit off-speed and fastballs equally well.
Statcast Data:
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Exit Velocity: 106.4 mph
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Launch Angle: 28 degrees
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Distance: 405 feet
This solo homer wasn’t just a lucky swing — it was a well-timed, calculated blast that showed maturity beyond his age.
RBI Triple: Showcasing Hustle and Gap Power
Later in the game, Young laced a triple into the right-center gap, bringing home a runner from second base. This wasn’t just a hustle play; it highlighted:
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His elite base-running instincts
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Gap-to-gap power, especially on pitches low and away
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The ability to change a game with his legs, not just his bat
Young’s triple contributed to a crucial Mariners rally, proving he can impact the game in multiple ways — a trait scouts covet in long-term MLB contributors.
The 470-Foot Home Run: A Historic Bomb
Perhaps the highlight of the night, and possibly of the MLB season so far, came when Cole Young crushed a 470-foot home run to dead center. The ball left the bat at a staggering 113 mph and landed in the second deck of Globe Life Field.
Why the 470-Foot Home Run Was Special:
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Longest home run by a Mariners rookie since Statcast began tracking.
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Surpassed even some of Julio Rodríguez’s furthest homers.
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Positioned him among elite company in power metrics.
Historical Context:
Only a handful of players under age 21 have ever hit a ball that far. Young now shares that list with names like Bryce Harper, Giancarlo Stanton, and Ronald Acuña Jr.
Scouting Report: How Cole Young is Evolving
Tool | Grade (20-80 Scale) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Hit | 60 | Smooth swing, excellent pitch recognition |
Power | 55 (Growing) | 470-foot homer proves untapped raw power |
Speed | 60 | Smart baserunner, quick first step |
Arm | 55 | Accurate throws, solid mechanics |
Fielding | 60 | Good range, soft hands, capable at 2B/SS |
Baseball IQ | 65 | Advanced approach at the plate and field |
What’s Changed?
Young was known for his high-contact, low-power profile during his early minor league days. But his offseason strength work, paired with a more aggressive approach, has transformed him into a legitimate two-way threat.
Career Progression and Stats So Far
2022 (Rookie Ball)
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AVG: .367 | OBP: .423 | HR: 1 | RBI: 12 (25 games)
2023 (High-A)
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AVG: .281 | OBP: .377 | HR: 9 | RBI: 62 | SB: 15
2024 (Double-A/Triple-A)
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AVG: .298 | OBP: .388 | HR: 14 | RBI: 71 | SLG: .487
2025 (MLB – So Far)
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AVG: .274 | OBP: .356 | HR: 5 | RBI: 19 (36 games)
Young’s consistent OBP, even as he climbs levels, speaks to his plate discipline and contact skills, while the home run totals indicate an upward trajectory in power.
Reactions from Around the League
Mariners Manager Scott Servais:
“Cole’s performance tonight wasn’t just exciting — it was defining. He’s showing us he’s ready for this level.”
MLB Analyst Jeff Passan:
“That 470-foot bomb from Cole Young should have Mariners fans ecstatic. He’s the real deal.”
Fan Reactions on Twitter/X:
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“COLE YOUNG FOR ROTY! That moonshot was unreal!”
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“The future is here. Cole Young is HIM.”
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“Not since Griffey have I seen a Mariners rookie look this smooth.”
Cole Young vs Other Top Rookies (2025)
Player | HR | AVG | OBP | WAR |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cole Young | 5 | .274 | .356 | 1.6 |
Jackson Holliday | 4 | .266 | .341 | 1.3 |
Wyatt Langford | 7 | .282 | .348 | 1.8 |
Junior Caminero | 6 | .248 | .317 | 1.1 |
Young may not be leading in home runs yet, but his well-rounded stats make him a legitimate contender for AL Rookie of the Year.
Fantasy Baseball Impact
With Young now showing multi-hit games, extra-base power, and run production, fantasy managers should take note:
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Waiver Wire Pickup: A must-add in all formats
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Dynasty Leagues: Long-term keeper with 20/20 potential
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Daily Fantasy (DFS): Good value vs RHPs due to high OBP and contact rate
His multi-category production makes him a fantasy gem, especially at a traditionally thin shortstop position.
What’s Next for Cole Young?
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Expanded Role: Could see more at-bats in the top half of the order
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Positional Flexibility: Could play 2B to stay in the lineup when J.P. Crawford returns
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National Spotlight: Expect him to appear in more MLB highlight reels and analysis panels
Final Thoughts: The Emergence of a Star
Cole Young’s performance against the Texas Rangers — from the solo homer, to the RBI triple, to the historic 470-foot blast — is more than just a great game. It’s a coming-out party for one of baseball’s most promising young talents.
He combines baseball IQ, athleticism, and now raw power, making him a foundational piece for the Mariners. If this performance is any indicator, Cole Young is not only MLB-ready — he’s MLB-explosive
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