Mariners Acquire Donovan to Solve Leadoff Woes

Seattle hopes new third baseman can provide discipline and on-base skills at the top of the lineup.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:12pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, with the action broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.Donovan's disciplined approach at the plate could be the key to unlocking the Mariners' full offensive potential.Cleveland Today

The Seattle Mariners acquired third baseman Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals in a pre-spring training trade, hoping he can solve their long-standing issues at the leadoff spot. Donovan, known for his plate discipline and ability to work counts, has quickly made an impact, drawing two walks in Friday's win over the Cleveland Guardians and hitting the first Mariners' leadoff home run on Opening Day.

Why it matters

The Mariners finished 90-72 last season and made the playoffs, but their lineup lacked a true leadoff presence at the top. Donovan's arrival could provide the discipline and on-base skills the team has been searching for, potentially helping them take the next step in the competitive AL West.

The details

In the trade, the Mariners sent third baseman Ben Williamson, right-hander Jurrangelo Cijntje (a top 100 prospect), outfielder Tai Peete, and a 2026 second-round draft pick to the Cardinals to acquire Donovan. The 26-year-old has a career .282 batting average in the majors, though he's not an elite base stealer, swiping just 15 bags in 28 attempts. The Mariners are hoping his ability to work counts and get on base will be the perfect fit at the top of their lineup.

  • Donovan was acquired by the Mariners in a pre-spring training trade on February 2, 2026.
  • Donovan hit the first leadoff home run on Opening Day in Mariners franchise history on March 28, 2026.
  • Through two starts this season, Donovan has drawn two walks and hit a home run for the Mariners.

The players

Brendan Donovan

A 26-year-old third baseman acquired by the Seattle Mariners from the St. Louis Cardinals in a pre-spring training trade. Donovan is known for his plate discipline and ability to work counts, which the Mariners hope will solve their long-standing issues at the leadoff spot.

Ben Williamson

A third baseman who was traded by the Seattle Mariners to the St. Louis Cardinals as part of the deal to acquire Brendan Donovan.

Jurrangelo Cijntje

A right-handed pitcher who was a top 100 prospect and was traded by the Seattle Mariners to the St. Louis Cardinals as part of the deal to acquire Brendan Donovan.

Tai Peete

An outfielder who was traded by the Seattle Mariners to the St. Louis Cardinals as part of the deal to acquire Brendan Donovan.

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What’s next

The Mariners will continue to monitor Donovan's performance and health as he settles into the leadoff role. If he can maintain his disciplined approach at the plate, he could help the Mariners take the next step in the competitive AL West.

The takeaway

The Mariners' acquisition of Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals represents a potential solution to their long-standing issues at the leadoff spot. If Donovan can provide the on-base skills and plate discipline the team has been lacking, it could be a game-changer for their lineup and help them build on last season's playoff appearance.