It will still be nearly another two months before Brendan Donovan takes the field for the first time at T-Mobile Park in a Seattle Mariners uniform, but it may not take long after that for him to be embraced by fans in the Emerald City.

Seattle Mariners swing three-team trade for All-Star Brendan Donovan

Michelle Smallmon, who hosts Unsportsmanlike weekdays on ESPN2 and ESPN Radio, is a St. Louis Cardinals fan who has watched Donovan closely in his four MLB seasons thus far. And while she’s sad the one-time All-Star and Gold Glove-winning utility player won’t be on her team anymore, she thinks he’s a great addition for a Mariners squad coming off a trip to the American League Championship Series in 2025.

“I would say buckle up because you’re going to love this guy. I think you’re going to love him right away,” Smallmon told Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy on Thursday in a quick diversion from Super Bowl talk on Radio Row in the Bay Area.

Donovan doesn’t have flashy power or speed numbers, but the fact that he contributes despite that is part of what could make him endearing to Seattle fans.

“When I think of St. Louis Cardinals baseball, I think about guys like Brendan Donovan,” continued Smallmon, who was previously a radio host on 101 ESPN in St. Louis. “Of course, people are going to think about Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina and the Adam Wainwrights and Chris Carpenters of the world of star power. But the reason the Cardinals were able to be contenders for so long is because of guys like Brendan Donovan. A guy who is so sharp and versatile defensively. A guy who is disciplined at the plate. A guy who works on his craft. He is the ultimate team player.

“He’s so gritty – I hate that word but it really is who he is – and I just think he’s going to fit in with your squad so well and be a great addition. And I’m so bummed out that the Cardinals moved on from him.”

“Buckle up, because you’re gonna love this guy.” 👀

St. Louis native @msmallmon (@UnSportsESPN) discussed new #Mariners INF/OF Brendan Donovan with @michaelbumpus5 & @StacyRost. 🔱 pic.twitter.com/JMMcGnWiHp

— Seattle Sports (@SeattleSports) February 5, 2026

Donovan comes to the Mariners with a strong track record for making contact and getting on base, and he also gives Seattle crucial versatility in the field with second base and third base – both positions he can play – unsettled but with highly-touted young infielders (Cole Young and Colt Emerson) knocking on the door. Donovan’s acquisition now allows the M’s to strike a balance where they can try to break in those young players while still having a proven player filling either of the two spots.

Smallmon thinks it’s a good situation for Donovan, as well, as he leaves a St. Louis team that won just 78 games in 2025 and has stared to rebuild this offseason.

“I was cheering for the Mariners last year. I love your team. I really wanted them to take it home. If he has to go somewhere, I’m glad he’s going to a place where he can contend,” she said.

Hear the full Bump and Stacy conversation with ESPN’s Michelle Smallmon in the podcast below. Catch Bump and Stacy from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays on Seattle Sports.

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• Did Mariners pay the right price for Donovan? Morosi weighs in
• Salk: By adding Donovan, Mariners did ‘what contending teams do’
• Drayer: Seattle Mariners land Brendan Donovan after long pursuit