Mariners spring training update: Young players shine as opening day nears at T-Mobile Park

With less than two weeks until opening day, the Seattle Mariners are wrapping up spring training with renewed confidence after coming within eight outs of the World Series last season.

The Mariners open their 2026 campaign on March 26 against the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park, carrying expectations that match last year’s postseason breakthrough.

“This team is built for the long haul. This team is built to get into the World Series and win the World Series,” Rick Rizzs, the voice of the Seattle Mariners, said on Seattle’s Morning News. “I know that in my heart, because we saw it last year.”

Young talent shines as key players compete in World Baseball Classic

With several key players participating in the World Baseball Classic — including Cal Raleigh and Gabe Speier with Team USA and Josh Naylor with Team Canada — Cactus League play has provided an extended look at the organization’s young talent.

Cole Young, who appeared in the majors last season, has turned it on over the past week. Top prospect Colt Emerson has lived up to his billing with an outstanding spring. But one player has emerged as the surprise of camp.

“The guy that really has opened up eyes is a player that the Mariners acquired very quietly during the offseason from the Yankees organization,” Rizzs said. “Brennen Davis is just having as good a spring as anybody in this camp.”

Davis, who spent last season in the minors and dealt with injuries during his time with the Cubs, is hitting approximately .380 with four home runs and six RBIs.

“All of his outs are hit hard — hard ground balls, line drives,” Rizzs said.

The offseason moves made by general manager Jerry Dipoto and assistant general manager Justin Hollander have injected new energy into the roster. Brendan Donovan, acquired to play third base and hit leadoff, has particularly impressed.

“Fans are gonna love, and I mean love, watching Brendan Donovan play,” Rizzs said. “The guy can hit. He’s a hard-nosed guy. He’s a gamer.”

Jose Ferrer, a hard-throwing left-hander, will bolster the bullpen, while Rob Refsnyder gives manager Dan Wilson a right-handed bat to deploy against left-handed pitching.

As opening day nears, Rizzs says anticipation is at all-time high

First-round pick Kade Anderson, selected last year out of LSU, takes the mound tonight against the Dodgers in another showcase for the organization’s pitching depth.

As opening day nears, Rizzs said the anticipation rivals anything he has experienced in his decades behind the microphone.

“To me, it should be a national holiday,” Rizzs said. “You know, the red, white bunting. You got all new hope — not only hope, but confidence.”

The veteran broadcaster emphasized that while championships are not won in April, they can be lost.

“Getting off to a great start is critical for this team, or for any team if they want to get to the postseason,” Rizzs said. “But I love it when the games count. I love the emotion of the fans. I love a sellout crowd on opening day. It’s just really special.”

The Mariners continue Cactus League play in Peoria before breaking camp ahead of the March 26 opener.

Manda Factor is the host of “Seattle’s Morning News” on KIRO Newsradio. Follow Manda on X and email her here. 

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