PEORIA, Ariz. -- One deliberately remained in the dugout well after he was pulled from a Cactus League game to better get to know his new teammates. The other has been seen in the clubhouse postgame, long after he could’ve left to beat traffic to instead talk hitting.
For Brendan Donovan and Rob Refsnyder, respectively, each finds himself on a new team for the first time in years. And it’s these types of moments that underscore how quickly they’re fitting in with the Mariners.
“When the guys are talking baseball among themselves, that's when things are going to work and work well,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said. “And when you have that leadership in the clubhouse that these guys have started to establish, that's a really important piece.”
Donovan and Refsnyder were acquired because they filled specific roster needs. But the Mariners have pointedly done more homework on the makeup of external talent acquisitions in recent years to ensure that said players fit within their clubhouse’s ecosystem.
That environment is fostered on preparation, accountability -- and, to put it bluntly, likability among their peers.
It’s not a mandate, but successful teams are often good because players get along. That’s not to say the Mariners haven’t achieved that since emerging from their rebuild in 2021, but it’s nonetheless become an emphasis point for the front office when scouting players to acquire.
“The pieces that were added certainly bring that veteran presence, that baseball presence,” Wilson said. “And you throw all that in the hopper, and all those things work very, very well in that clubhouse.”
Josh Naylor also falls into this bucket, and the $92.5 million they paid him in free agency was a much easier decision based on how rapidly he’s resonated. Yet player makeup is also an integral part of Seattle’s Draft process, already on display with youngsters in camp such as Colt Emerson (MLB Pipeline’s No. 9 overall prospect), Kade Anderson (No. 21) and Ryan Sloan (No. 33).
But back to Donovan and Refsnyder, whose initiative particularly stood out in the first week of Cactus League games.
Donovan debuted Tuesday, yanking a pull-side leadoff single for his first hit that immediately thrust him into scoring position after Cal Raleigh walked. He then scored when Naylor hit into a bases-loaded double play.
Acquired on Feb. 2 in a three-team headliner, Donovan, 29, grew up in a Cardinals organization known for its business-like demeanor. It doesn’t work for everyone, but it did for Donovan, who was raised as an Army brat and has a blue-collar work ethic. His tone might be mistaken as quiet, as there’s a level of introspect and thoughtfulness in his words.
He probably leans more into the lead-by-example category, which is precisely why he remained in the dugout for nearly three innings after being removed from Tuesday’s game -- a gesture uncommon for players in the starting lineup.
“I'm new here and I'm trying to see how people play, talk to them and build relationships on a personal level,” Donovan said. “And I think that's important to do in the dugout, too. I believe in getting to know someone as a person, and then you get to know them as a player as well. So that's an area I tried to lean into.”
Refsnyder, 34, was a far more under-the-radar acquisition, signed to a one-year, $6.25 million free-agent deal on Dec. 22, as the club’s pivot once Jorge Polanco left for the Mets. No, the Mariners aren’t anticipating Polanco-type production, but Refsnyder crushes lefty pitching within a lineup that’s extremely left-heavy.
He also revitalized his career in pressure-packed Boston over the past four seasons, after playing in five organizations prior. His non-linear career path -- along with a detailed voice -- should give the Mariners even more flavor when it comes to talking hitting.
“The Mariners have done a great job of pinpointing not just what you can work on, but what you're really good at,” Refsnyder said. “And I've been really impressed with that so far. There's just a plan.”
Donovan could solidify the everyday leadoff role and will play all over the infield, while Refsnyder is targeted for a platoon primarily at designated hitter. They won’t necessarily be primary run producers, but are instead the potential finishing pieces to a roster looking to repeat as American League West champions.
Just as essential, though, is how seamlessly they’re adapting to their new clubhouse.