Seattle Mariners pitchers and catchers reported on Wednesday morning to the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Ariz. for the first workout of the 2026 season.

But some position players are already there, including new M's infielder Brendan Donovan, who was just acquired in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. The M's sent Ben Williamson, Jurrangelo Cijtnje, Tai Peete and a Comp B draft pick to get the deal done. The Tampa Bay Rays were involved, with Williamson going there.

Donovan was seen hitting in the cage on Tuesday and was working with infield coach Perry Hill on Wednesday. Adam Jude of the Seattle Times noted that Donovan is going to work primarily at third base this spring, which is a predictable decision.

Now 29 years old, Donovan is a four-year veteran of the Cardinals. He hit .287 in 2025 with 10 homers and 50 RBIs while posting a .353 on-base percentage and a 119 OPS+. He was also named an All-Star for the first time in his career and was a finalist for the Silver Slugger at the utility position. He's a career .282 hitter who had only a 13.0 percent strikeout rate last season, something the M's are hoping to improve upon in 2026.

He has two years left of team control and can play all over the diamond. He spent 100 games at second base last season, as well as 18 in left field, six at shortstop and two at designated hitter. 

It should be noted that he has played 46 games of third base in his career, though the Cardinals didn't necessarily need him there often because of the presence of Nolan Arenado.

The Mariners have two young infielders who both figure to play real roles in the big leagues this season: Cole Young and Colt Emerson. Young debuted last season, spending the final four months on the active roster. He's simply further ahead of Emerson, so he gets a crack to be the team's Opening Day second baseman. 

The assumption is that Donovan will play third until Emerson is ready, and then everyone will figure it out from there.

The Mariners have several players leaving for the World Baseball Classic, including outfielders Julio Rodriguez, Randy Arozarena, and Dominic Canzone. At this time, perhaps we'll see Donovan get some more time in the outfield to keep his versatility up. 

The World Baseball Classic begins on March 5 and runs through March 17.

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