Mariners Prospects Shine as Donovan's Debut Delayed

Excitement builds around Seattle's young talent despite Brendan Donovan's spring training absence

Feb. 24, 2026 at 12:49am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Seattle Mariners have kicked off their 2026 Cactus League schedule with strong performances from several top prospects, including Jonny Farmelo and Lazaro Montes. However, much attention has been focused on the delayed spring debut of Brendan Donovan, a key offseason acquisition who has yet to appear in a game. Mariners manager Dan Wilson has indicated that both Donovan and Rob Refsnyder will make their debuts within the next few days, as the team aims to manage expectations around the new additions.

Why it matters

The Mariners' strong spring training performances, particularly from their top prospects, have generated significant buzz and enthusiasm among the team's fanbase, which is eager to see the next generation of talent take the field. Donovan's delayed debut has raised some questions, but the team is working to bring him along carefully as they look to build on their near-playoff run in 2025.

The details

Despite the Mariners' exhibition games not counting toward the regular season, the team has already secured wins over the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds, with a loss to the San Francisco Giants. One standout moment came from Miles Mastrobuoni, who hit the first grand slam of spring, boosting his chances of making the Opening Day roster. Meanwhile, both Brendan Donovan and Rob Refsnyder have yet to appear in a game, though Mariners manager Dan Wilson has indicated they will make their debuts within the next few days.

  • The Mariners officially kicked off their 2026 Cactus League schedule on Friday.
  • Rob Refsnyder took the field as part of the starting lineup for Monday's exhibition against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
  • Expectations are high for Brendan Donovan to appear soon, possibly in Tuesday's game versus the Chicago White Sox.

The players

Brendan Donovan

A key offseason acquisition for the Mariners who has yet to make his spring training debut.

Rob Refsnyder

Another new offensive addition for the Mariners who has also not appeared in a game yet.

Jonny Farmelo

A highly regarded Mariners prospect ranked No. 78 by MLB Pipeline, who delivered a clutch performance with a go-ahead double in a recent game.

Lazaro Montes

A Mariners prospect ranked No. 43 by MLB Pipeline, who made an impression with a timely single against a 101 mph fastball.

Dan Wilson

The Mariners' manager, who has addressed the delayed debuts of Donovan and Refsnyder.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They talk about our depth in the minor leagues, and you're getting a chance to see it here. Just the great (at-bats), and that was a good one for Farmelo, being able to drive the ball hard in that situation.”

— Dan Wilson, Mariners Manager (The Seattle Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Mariners' strong spring training performances, particularly from their top prospects, have generated significant buzz and enthusiasm among the team's fanbase, who are eager to see the next generation of talent take the field. While the delayed debut of Brendan Donovan has raised some questions, the team is working to bring him along carefully as they look to build on their near-playoff run in 2025.