Emerson grew up in Cambridge, Ohio, and attended John Glenn High School.[1] As a junior, he batted .459 with five home runs, 12 doubles, three triples, and 21 runs batted in.[2] Emerson played for the United States in the 2022 U-18 Baseball World Cup and batted .360.[3] He was named the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year and the Division II Player of the year at the end of his senior season after batting .446 with eight home runs, 39 runs scored, and 25 runs batted in.[4] Emerson committed to play college baseball at Auburn.[5] He also played football as a wide receiver during his first three years at John Glenn and was a first team All-Ohio selection during his junior year after catching 58 passes for 756 yards and eight touchdowns.[6]
Professional career
Emerson was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the first round, with the 22nd overall selection, of the 2023 Major League Baseball draft.[7] On July 14, 2023, Emerson signed with the Mariners to an over slot deal worth $3.8 million.[8] On August 16, 2024, while playing for the Single-A Everett AquaSox, Emerson's 46-game on-base streak came to an end.[9] On September 24, 2024, it was announced that Emerson was one of several AquaSox who will be representing the Seattle Mariners in the 2024 Arizona Fall League.[10]