Three Takeaways from Brendan Donovan’s Start with the Seattle Mariners

This article breaks down Brendan Donovan‘s trade from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Seattle Mariners. It explores what his arrival means for Seattle as spring training rolls around and how his versatility, baserunning, and contact-hitting approach could shape the club’s lineup in 2025.

The piece also touches on the strategic fit at third base, the leadoff role, and how park factors might influence his performance in his new home.

Trade Context and Fit

Donovan said he saw a possible offseason move coming and finally got the call confirming the deal after weeks of not knowing. He’d already started his Florida training when the trade went through.

Later, he chatted with Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto. The Mariners see him as a Swiss Army knife—someone who can help out in a bunch of ways as they sort out the infield and bench.

Versatility Across the Diamond

Donovan has played every position except catcher and center field during his four major-league seasons. Most of his innings have come at second base.

Seattle plans to start him at third base this spring, where he’s been getting most of his reps. He’ll also get some work at second and in the outfield.

His experience gives the Mariners a flexible option, letting them respond to injuries or late-game lineup changes without too much stress.

Leadoff Experience and Base Running

Out of his big-league plate appearances, 826 of 2,006 came as a leadoff hitter. The Mariners hope he can bring that table-setting ability to their lineup.

Donovan talked about how leading off means adjusting your approach to help the team get going. He’s worked with first-base coach Eric Young Jr. to be more aggressive on the bases, always looking for that “extra 90 feet” when he can.

He’s swiped 15 career bases in 27 tries. Still, Donovan knows baserunning has to stay smart; with Cal Raleigh hitting behind him, sometimes you just hold your ground and don’t get greedy.

Park Factors and Hitting Philosophy

Seattle’s home ballpark, T-Mobile Park, is famously pitcher-friendly, with a park factor around 91. Donovan realizes he’ll have to bring his approach with him—sometimes focusing on line drives, sometimes pulling for power, depending on the situation.

His time in St. Louis and at Busch Stadium (another tough place to hit for power) gives him some background for this. He sticks to a line-drive, contact-first philosophy: make contact when you’re late, elevate to the pull side when you’re on time.

It’s a style that should play just about anywhere, but especially in a place where home runs don’t always come easy.

Impact on Seattle’s Offense and Future Outlook

Seattle’s leadoff spot struggled last season. The team ranked near the bottom in batting average, on-base percentage, and OPS.

Donovan brings a lot of leadoff experience and a fresh, upbeat baserunning style. That could really shake up the lineup’s tempo.

This move even puts him on the radar as a possible 2025 All-Star candidate. His versatility and clear willingness to fit whatever Seattle needs might make the difference.

Here’s what Donovan adds to the Mariners’ mix:

• Defensive flexibility—he can move all over the infield and outfield as needs change
• Proven leadoff toolset to kickstart the offense and give others a chance to drive him in
• Aggressive baserunning—he’s always looking for that extra 90 feet
• Experience in all kinds of ballparks, which shapes his approach at T-Mobile Park and elsewhere

As spring training gets underway, fans are eager to see how Donovan’s versatility and game sense show up on the field. In a league that values flexibility and speed, he might be exactly what Seattle needs right now.

 
Here is the source article for this story: 3 things we learned from Seattle Mariners’ Brendan Donovan