When the Mariners finally pulled off the blockbuster trade to acquire Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals, with the Rays also involved, there was a palpable sense of relief at T-Mobile Park. The Mariners had been eyeing the 29-year-old for much of the offseason, and the drawn-out process had stirred up plenty of tension within the organization.
The holdup was largely due to the Cardinals' high valuation of Donovan, insisting he was a star deserving of a significant return. Earlier this year, there were voices, like SoDo Mojo's Tremayne Person, cautioning against meeting the Cardinals' steep demands for the 2022 Gold Glove winner.
But now, the Mariners are discovering just why Donovan was so highly regarded. While the trade package was hefty, the Mariners seem to have no regrets.
Brendan Donovan is proving to be the kind of cohesive force the team needs, especially with their eyes set on a potential World Series run in 2026. Initially, there might have been skepticism about the hype surrounding him, but Donovan is already showing he's the leader the Mariners need in the clubhouse.
Donovan's discipline and work ethic, shaped by his father, a former U.S. Army Colonel, are evident. He's a quintessential team player, showcasing his versatility on the field and staying engaged with teammates even after being subbed out during spring training games.
For those questioning his on-field impact, Donovan has been impressive, going 10-for-21 with two walks in Cactus League play before Wednesday's game against the Rockies. His Gold Glove-level defense hasn't missed a beat either, highlighted by a standout catch deep in foul territory during his eighth start at third base in the Cactus League.
The Mariners are thrilled with Donovan's contributions in Peoria. As noted by Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, manager Dan Wilson praised Donovan's relentless effort, saying, "He just plays hard. It doesn’t matter where he’s gonna be on the field, he’s gonna give you a good effort."
Donovan's value extends beyond stats. He's a career .282 hitter with a 117 OPS+ and could address the leadoff issues that plagued the Mariners last season. At a cost of $5.8 million for 2026, with another year of club control, Donovan is a bargain-especially with a potential lockout on the horizon.
While spring training results can be deceptive, Donovan's strong performance is a bright spot amid some struggles for other Mariners players. He's proving why the Cardinals valued him so highly, and the Mariners are poised to reap the benefits throughout the upcoming season.