The Seattle Mariners had a season filled with promise last year, but they fell just short of making their first World Series appearance. As we look back, it's hard not to wonder about the "what ifs."
What if Bryan Woo hadn't been sidelined by a pectoral injury at the crucial end of the regular season? What if Caleb Ferguson had been more reliable in a bullpen that desperately needed depth?
And what if the leadoff position had been more productive?
The leadoff spot was a persistent challenge for the Mariners, with players like J.P. Crawford, Randy Arozarena, and even Julio Rodríguez taking turns without much success.
The absence of Víctor Robles, who missed most of the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury, only compounded the issue. The result was a lackluster .237 batting average and .659 OPS from the leadoff position.
For the Mariners to reach their full potential in 2026, improvement at the top of the lineup is crucial. With projections from FanGraphs placing them as favorites to make the World Series from the American League, and third-favorites to win it all, there's a lot riding on this. Fortunately, the recent acquisition of Brendan Donovan offers hope for a turnaround.
Donovan's track record provides reason for optimism. With a career .259/.334/.399 slash line and .732 OPS in 182 games as a leadoff hitter, he stands out compared to the Mariners' .237/.311/.348 line from last year.
What really excites Mariners fans, though, are Donovan's recent comments on Seattle Sports radio. He spoke about the various approaches to leading off, emphasizing the importance of setting the tone and gathering valuable information for his teammates. This mindset could be a game-changer.
Donovan's disciplined approach, shaped by a father who was a Colonel in the U.S. Army, has already made a positive impression in camp.
His willingness to adapt and potentially become a more patient hitter could be key. Although his career average of 3.88 pitches per plate appearance is lower than Arozarena's 4.03 from last season, Donovan's intent and mental toughness could help him evolve in the leadoff role.
If Donovan succeeds in becoming a strategic 'spy' for his teammates, relaying crucial insights, it could provide the Mariners with that extra edge needed to push deep into the playoffs. The path to the World Series might just hinge on this newfound productivity at the top of their lineup.