Did Brendan Donovan’s acquisition end Seattle Mariners’ search for leadoff hitter? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan has a plan.
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As the new top-of-the-lineup presence, Donovan’s focus remains on plate discipline, extending counts and getting on base for Cal Raleigh and company.
Through two starts this season, Donovan is quickly evolving into a fan favorite.
Seattle Mariners’ Brendan Donovan settling in
During Friday night’s 5-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobil Park, Donovan drew two walks. On Thursday, he delivered a 3-1 four-seam fastball off Tanner Bibee over the right-field wall, marking the first leadoff home run on Opening Day in franchise history.
The Mariners needed a true lead-off batter. Despite finishing 90-72 and in second place in the AL West, the lineup lacked discipline at the top of the order.
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The Mariners’ front office executed a pre-spring training trade with the St. Louis Cardinals on Feb. 2 to acquire Donovan, who arrived in camp with his “hair on fire.”
The fifth-year professional entered Saturday’s series finale against the Guardians with a career .282 batting average. He may not possess elite speed, stealing just 15 career bases on 28 attempts, but his ability to work counts prompted the Mariners’ brass to pursue Donovan.
Was he worth the cost of jettisoning third baseman Ben Williamson, right-hander Jurrangelo Cijntje, an MLB top 100 prospect, outfielder Tai Peete and a 2026 No. 68 overall draft pick?
If he remains healthy, he has only appeared in more than 126 games once in four seasons with the Cardinals, and retains his disciplined approach at the plate, the Mariners likely landed their leadoff batter of the future.
Will he help fans finally halt the constant reflection on Ichiro Suzuki?