After Eugenio Suárez officially signed with the Cincinnati Reds, the door to a return to the Seattle Mariners for “Geno” disappeared — and thus one of the most thorny issues of the 2026 winter season was unexpectedly torn open. Suárez’s departure not only closed a chapter but also opened up a host of new possibilities and strategic risks in the battle to find a replacement for the third base position in Seattle.
Before Geno left, the Mariners considered him a safe option to fill the hot corner void, especially given their lack of an experienced slugger at that position. But now, the situation has changed rapidly — and the most likely outcome is that the third base slot will be decided at Peoria during spring training rather than through an off-team signing.
In that context, the Brendan Donovan deal becomes extremely important. The Mariners have just completed a major three-way trade for Donovan with the Cardinals and Rays, bringing him to Seattle alongside familiar key players. Donovan has a history of playing multiple positions — primarily second base but also third base, shortstop, outfield, and first base — making him a versatile option across infield positions, saving Seattle from having to use additional assets on the market.
However, it’s worth noting that the anticipated matchups for the third base position are now opening up more interesting possibilities than before:
🔹 Colt Emerson – the Mariners’ top prospect, excelling in all three infield positions, is being considered a strong contender for a starting spot. Despite Emerson’s limited MLB experience, many sources (including ESPN) report that the Mariners are willing to give him a chance to compete for a starter third base position in spring training — a tough test for the faint of heart.
🔹 Brendan Donovan – despite being a recent arrival, Donovan is more than just a temporary solution. His experience and ability to shoulder responsibility in various positions allow the Mariners to rotate personnel as needed. If necessary, he can fill a gap in the third base – especially since younger options like Emerson, Cole Young, or other domestic players still lack extensive experience.
🔹 Cole Young & Other Domestic Players: Although Young was once considered one of the promising middle-infield players, his performance last season was not convincing enough and may cause the Mariners to reconsider his role after the 2025 season.
Interestingly, with Donovan’s versatility, the Mariners can now play a more structured game without relying on a single star in the third base. If Donovan performs well in that position, they could move Emerson to second base or use him more flexibly depending on the team’s needs — a “stranger things” scenario that few had previously envisioned.
In short, Geno’s departure from Seattle has triggered a domino effect of unexpected possibilities: the Mariners now not only have to choose who will play third base, but also consider a long-term strategy for their promising young players. Emerson’s potential or Donovan’s versatility — or even a combination of both — could reshape a significant portion of the Mariners’ infield for the entire 2026 season. And so, after a promising but disappointing 2025 season, Seattle now enters the peoria not just awaiting spring training, but witnessing a truly unpredictable roster battle.
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