SEATTLE — The Mariners have landed a key piece for their 2026 aspirations, acquiring versatile infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals in a three-team trade that also involves the Rays, multiple sources reported Monday.
The deal, which hasn’t been officially announced by the teams, fills a important need for Seattle as they aim to build on last season’s near-miss playoff run.
Seattle adds a proven offensive threat and defensive adaptability with the acquisition of Brendan Donovan.
The Mariners’ pursuit of Donovan effectively ends a prolonged negotiation with St. Louis that stretched throughout the offseason. Seattle’s front office identified donovan as a top target but had previously been unable to agree on a suitable return package with the Cardinals.
What does this mean for Seattle’s lineup? Donovan, a 29-year-old who can play multiple positions, is under team control for the next two seasons.
The Mariners view Donovan as a bridge to their younger infield prospects, including Colt Emerson, MLB Pipeline’s No. 9 overall prospect, whose path to the majors could be cleared by Williamson’s departure. General manager Justin Hollander recently reaffirmed his confidence in the team’s young infielders – Emerson, second baseman Cole Young, and Williamson – during FanFest at T-Mobile Park on Sunday. However, for a team that came within eight outs of its first World Series appearance last October, the need for a proven bat was undeniable.
With the addition of Donovan, Seattle’s lineup now boasts five All-Stars from the previous two seasons, joining Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, Randy Arozarena, and Naylor.
The opportunity to acquire Donovan arose after the Giants shifted their focus to Luis Arraez, agreeing to a one-year, $12 million deal to play second base over the weekend. Several other teams had also expressed interest in Donovan earlier in the offseason, before St.Louis initiated its significant roster changes.
Donovan’s affordability and versatility were key factors in his appeal. Unlike veterans Nolan Arenado, Willson Contreras, and Sonny Gray – who had no-trade clauses and commanded eight-figure contracts – Donovan is younger and doesn’t possess a no-trade clause.
The Rays, meanwhile, receive third baseman Ben Williamson in the three-team transaction. This marks the 16th trade between Seattle and Tampa Bay as Jerry Dipoto took over as Mariners president of baseball operations in the 2015-16 offseason.
seattle sent right-handed pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje (their first-round draft pick in 2024, originally selected No. 15 overall), outfielder Or Peete, and outfielder Colton Ledbetter to complete the deal. The Mariners had recently decided to focus on Cijntje as a right-handed pitcher entering 2026.
While Hollander emphasized the team’s need for long-term starting pitching depth, scouts have suggested that Cijntje’s potential isn’t as high as that of Top 100 prospects Kade Anderson (No. 21 overall) and Ryan Sloan (No. 33). Anderson, selected No. 3 overall in last year’s draft, could reach the majors later in 2026.
Peete, drafted 30th overall in 2023, has a .724 OPS in 264 Minor League games, reaching High-A last year. He transitioned from an infielder to the outfield last season, showcasing the athleticism to play center field.
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