The Seattle Mariners were so close to the World Series a season ago.
They lost in Game 7 of the ALCS to the Toronto Blue Jays, and they nearly won that game, too.
In the end, the Mariners still haven’t made it to a World Series. They’ll try to change that in 2026.
The next means to ending that drought was a trade reported on Monday that brings second baseman Brendan Donovan to the Mariners from the St. Louis Cardinals.
It makes a strong lineup even more potent, and so it’s worth taking a look.
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Seattle Mariners projected lineup for 2026
This lineup operates under the assumption that the Donovan trade does indeed include Ben Williamson, a third baseman, being traded away.
We’re also framing it for a matchup against a right-handed pitcher. Against southpaws, Rob Refsnyder will find his way in.
So here’s one possible arrangement:
Randy Arozarena LFCal Raleigh CJulio Rodriguez CFJosh Naylor 1BBrendan Donovan 2BVictor Robles RFDominic Canzone DHJ.P. Crawford SSColt Emerson 3B
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With Williamson gone, the natural shortstop and top prospect Emerson gets into the lineup on Opening Day as the third baseman.
It’s a bit lefty heavy, but Naylor and Donovan both hit southpaws well, so it’s likely not a big deal.
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