The Seattle Mariners are back in action, kicking off their Cactus League schedule with some early excitement. They notched wins against San Diego and Cincinnati, with a loss to San Francisco sandwiched in between. Even in that defeat, Miles Mastrobuoni provided a highlight by smashing the first grand slam of spring, bolstering his bid for the Opening Day roster.
Brendan Donovan's Anticipated Debut
Fans are eagerly awaiting the debut of Brendan Donovan, a new addition expected to become a Seattle favorite. Despite the buzz, neither Donovan nor Rob Refsnyder has hit the field yet.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson assured fans on the Refuse to Lose podcast that their appearances are imminent, with Refsnyder already slotted for Monday's game against the Dodgers. Donovan's debut remains a mystery, leaving fans curious about the All-Star utility player's status.
Prospects Making Waves
Spring training has spotlighted Mariners prospects, with Jonny Farmelo and Lazaro Montes grabbing attention. Farmelo delivered a clutch RBI double in the ninth inning against the Reds, showcasing his ability to handle pressure with a 106 mph shot to the opposite field.
Meanwhile, Montes displayed resilience against the Padres, navigating high-velocity pitches to notch a single. Both players, ranked among MLB's top prospects, are showing why they're generating buzz, with Montes potentially eyeing a major league debut this year.
Fans Flock to Spring Training
Seattle's near-miss in the 2025 World Series has fueled fan enthusiasm, evident in the impressive spring training turnout. A record crowd of nearly 10,000 attended the Cactus League opener at Peoria Sports Complex, with thousands more showing up for drills and workouts. Even Kade Anderson's live batting practice drew a sizeable audience, underscoring the Mariners' growing popularity and the palpable excitement for the 2026 season.
The Mariners are generating plenty of buzz, and if spring training is any indication, fans are in for an exhilarating ride this year.