The Seattle Mariners came heartbreakingly close to reaching the World Series last season, falling just short in a nail-biting Game 7 of the ALCS against the Blue Jays. It was a classic postseason battle - one that could’ve swung either way - but in the end, Seattle’s long-sought trip to the Fall Classic remained just out of reach.
Now, with 2026 on the horizon, the Mariners are making moves to change that narrative. On Monday, they took a meaningful step forward, swinging a trade to acquire versatile second baseman Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals - a move that could add both depth and dynamism to an already dangerous lineup.
Let’s break down what this means for Seattle’s projected Opening Day lineup and how Donovan fits into the puzzle.
Projected 2026 Mariners Lineup (vs. RHP)
- Randy Arozarena, LF
- Cal Raleigh, C
- Julio Rodríguez, CF
- Josh Naylor, 1B
- Brendan Donovan, 2B
- Victor Robles, RF
- Dominic Canzone, DH
- **J.P.
Crawford, SS**
- Colt Emerson, 3B
This version of the lineup assumes that third baseman Ben Williamson was part of the package sent to St. Louis in the Donovan deal - which opens the door for top prospect Colt Emerson to crack the Opening Day roster. While Emerson is a natural shortstop, he slides over to third base here, giving the Mariners an intriguing mix of youth and experience.
Now, let’s talk about the lefty-heavy nature of this lineup. On paper, it leans toward the left side - Naylor, Donovan, Canzone, Crawford, and Emerson all bat left-handed - but that’s not necessarily a red flag.
Both Naylor and Donovan have shown they can handle left-handed pitching, which provides some balance and flexibility when facing southpaws. And when needed, the right-handed Rob Refsnyder is likely to slot in as a platoon option.
What Brendan Donovan Brings
Donovan isn’t a flashy name, but he’s exactly the kind of player who helps teams win in October. He brings contact, plate discipline, and defensive versatility - all traits that play up in high-leverage games.
Offensively, he’s a high-OBP guy who can grind out at-bats and keep the line moving. Defensively, while he’s penciled in at second base here, he’s capable of moving around the diamond if needed.
In many ways, Donovan feels like the connective tissue that could help this lineup function more efficiently. He’s not going to lead the team in homers, but he might lead them in pitches seen, quality at-bats, and little things that win games.
The Bigger Picture
The Mariners are clearly operating with urgency. After last season’s near-miss, they’re not sitting back and hoping for internal growth - they’re making targeted moves to address needs and deepen their roster. Adding Donovan doesn’t just improve the starting nine - it strengthens the bench, creates matchup options, and gives manager Scott Servais more flexibility late in games.
There’s still a long road ahead, and the AL remains as competitive as ever. But with Julio Rodríguez anchoring the lineup, Cal Raleigh continuing to emerge as one of the league’s top catchers, and now Brendan Donovan joining the mix, Seattle is building a roster that’s not just good enough to contend - it’s good enough to finish the job.
The Mariners have tasted the edge of greatness. In 2026, they’re clearly hungry for more.