Mariners' 3-team trade yields 1.023 OPS from new third baseman

Brendan Donovan has been a standout early acquisition for Seattle, though the rest of the lineup has struggled.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:07am

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The Seattle Mariners made a three-team trade this offseason to acquire Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays. So far, Donovan has been a breakout star for the Mariners, posting a 1.023 OPS while hitting leadoff. However, the rest of Seattle's lineup, including key players like Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Josh Naylor, have struggled mightily to start the season.

Why it matters

The Mariners made a bold move to acquire Donovan, parting with switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijtnje and infielder Ben Williamson in the process. Donovan's hot start has paid immediate dividends, but the team's overall offensive struggles highlight the importance of getting production from the entire lineup if Seattle wants to contend this season.

The details

Donovan has been a revelation for the Mariners, slashing .323/.432/.581 with two home runs, four RBIs, and four runs scored in his first nine games. He's primarily been the team's starting third baseman and leadoff hitter. However, the Mariners' 2-3-4 hitters, including Raleigh, Rodríguez, and Naylor, have combined to hit just 17-for-130 (.131/.226/.169) to start the year.

  • The Mariners acquired Donovan in a three-team trade this offseason.
  • Donovan has played in the Mariners' first nine games of the 2026 season.

The players

Brendan Donovan

A 29-year-old utility player acquired by the Mariners in a three-team trade this offseason, who has been the team's starting third baseman and leadoff hitter, posting a 1.023 OPS in his first nine games.

Cal Raleigh

The Mariners' starting catcher, who has struggled at the plate to start the season, hitting just .131/.226/.169.

Julio Rodríguez

A key part of the Mariners' lineup, who has also struggled offensively to begin the year, contributing to the team's overall offensive woes.

Josh Naylor

Another Mariners hitter who has been unproductive at the plate so far, as part of the team's 2-3-4 hitters that have combined for a .131/.226/.169 line.

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What they’re saying

“Donovan made a name for himself as one of the best utility players in the league, but his trademark versatility hasn't been on display during his first two weeks with the Mariners, who are using him as their starting third baseman after acquiring him this winter in a three-team trade with the Rays and Cardinals. Defense hasn't been an early-season strength for Donovan (-3 Outs Above Average), but he's more than made up for it with his bat. In his first nine games (37 plate appearances), the 29-year-old is slashing .323/.432/.581 (1.013 OPS) with two home runs, four RBIs and four runs scored.”

— Mark Feinsand, MLB.com writer

“Donovan has hit leadoff in six of those contests, setting the table for the Mariners' lineup. Unfortunately, Seattle's 2-3-4 hitters (primarily Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez and Josh Naylor) started the year 17-for-130, slashing .131/.226/.169, but if Donovan continues to get on base, he'll score plenty of runs before all is said and done.”

— Mark Feinsand, MLB.com writer

What’s next

If Donovan keeps up his hot hitting at the top of the Mariners' lineup, it could help spark the rest of the team's struggling offense as the season progresses.

The takeaway

The Mariners' bold offseason trade to acquire Brendan Donovan has paid early dividends, as he has been a standout performer to start the year. However, the team's overall offensive struggles, particularly from key players like Raleigh, Rodríguez, and Naylor, highlight the need for the entire lineup to produce if Seattle wants to contend this season.