This Is The Move That Changes Everything: Meet The Mariners' New Swiss Army Knife
The Mariners just added the exact piece they've been missing, and his name is Brendan Donovan. The 29-year-old All-Star arrived via a three-team deal with St. Louis and Tampa Bay, and he's ready to slot right into a lineup with World Series aspirations. This isn't some reclamation project or a guy hoping to find himself in Seattle. Donovan is a proven commodity in his prime, and he's about to make the AL West champion Mariners even more dangerous.
The Navy SEAL Sign That Built a Champion
Here's what matters about Donovan: effort is everything. The son of retired U.S. Army Col. Jim Donovan was drafted by St. Louis in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB draft, but he gravitated toward something deeper. His mentor, Cardinals mental skills coordinator Brian Alazzawi, spent 18 years with the Navy SEALs. Back in 2022, Alazzawi gave the rookie a gift that's hung in Donovan's locker ever since: a sign the SEALs used during training that reads, "THE ENEMY THANKS YOU FOR NOT GIVING 100% TODAY." Not some military comparison to baseball, but a daily reminder to show up and give everything you've got, no matter how you're feeling or how the team's doing. "It's a reminder for me to give my best today," Donovan said last month. And Mariners manager Dan Wilson echoed that exact message: "We don't ask anything of you guys but your best."
The Stats Back Up the Motor
Donovan was a first-time All-Star in 2025, slashing .287/.353/.422 with just a 13% strikeout rate (14th in MLB). Over four seasons and 492 games, he carries a career .282/.361/.411 slash line. He's a tailor-made leadoff man and a bat-to-ball machine with reliable defense at three separate spots. Now he'll join Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, Josh Naylor and Randy Arozarena in a lineup that's already plenty menacing. But here's the thing that really matters: Donovan wasn't always a sure thing. Out of the University of South Alabama, he was unheralded. His first full minor league season in 2019 got off to a rough start. Then COVID hit. Then 2021 came around and something clicked. "I jumped from High-A to the taxi squad of the big leagues," he said. "That was the year I realized, 'I think I can make it.'"
The Versatility That Makes Him Invaluable
Donovan is the ultimate do-everything player. At South Alabama he bounced between third base, first base, shortstop and both outfield corners. With the Cardinals, he became the first MLB player since 1900 to make his first four starts at four different infield positions. As a rookie, he won the National League's inaugural utility Gold Glove Award. He's a jack of all trades and a master of many. "I don't think that'll ever leave me," Donovan said about his mentality. "I think it's important to have a chip on your shoulder." He expects to start the season at third base with the flexibility to flip to second or left field. Opening day is next Thursday, and Donovan is a mortal lock to be in the lineup.
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about Brendan Donovan.
View X conversation →🔮 Trade Seattle Sports on Kalshi
Did you know you can trade on Seattle sports outcomes on Kalshi, the only federally regulated prediction market in the US? Kalshi is available in Washington state. Bet on Seahawks games, Mariners season outcomes, Kraken playoff runs, and more. No sportsbook account needed.
💰 Limited offer: Get a FREE $10 when you sign up!
👉 Sign up at Kalshi.com and use promo code SEATTLEONTAP to claim your free $10.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.