MLB trade rumor: Seattle Mariners near deal to acquire All-Star Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals

The Seattle Mariners have completed a trade to acquire infielder and outfielder Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals, according to ESPN. The deal, which also involves the Tampa Bay Rays, ends weeks of discussions surrounding Donovan’s future.

MLB’s official account announced the acquisition, citing reports from multiple insiders, including Daniel Kramer. League sources previously identified the Mariners and San Francisco Giants as frontrunners, while Jeff Passan reported Seattle’s sustained interest throughout negotiations.

Seattle Mariners emerged as a serious suitor

Trade talks gained momentum after the Cardinals moved Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks on January 13, 2026. That deal reopened conversations around Donovan, whom the Cardinals valued highly but were willing to move for the right return. President of baseball operations Chaim Bloom stressed the importance of resolving Donovan’s status before spring training, framing the move as strategic rather than forced.


Several teams, including the Mariners, Red Sox, and Royals, initially balked at St. Louis’ asking price. The Giants exited the race after acquiring Eugenio Suárez, narrowing the field. Seattle’s urgency increased after Jorge Polanco signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Mets following his 26-home-run season with the Mariners.

Brendan Donovan’s four-year Major League Baseball numbers show consistency

Donovan,‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ 29, received his inaugural All-Star nod in 2025 when he batted .287 with 10 home runs, 50 RBIs, and a .775 OPS. Over four Major League Baseball campaigns, he holds a .282 lifetime batting average with a .772 OPS, 40 home runs, and 97 doubles. He was awarded a Gold Glove in his 2022 rookie season for his ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌versatility.

Donovan‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ has a contract for $5.8 million in 2026, still has one more year for arbitration if the case arises, and will become a free agent after the 2027 season. His versatility in handling multiple infield and outfield positions allows the Seattle lineup to be more flexible, and there is also the possibility of him being a middle-order ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌hitter.

St. Louis Cardinals acquire Jurrangelo Cijntje and Tai Peete to strengthen long-term rebuild

Under the finalized agreement, the Mariners receive Donovan from the Cardinals. St. Louis acquires switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje, ranked Seattle’s No. 7 prospect by MLB.com, outfielder Tai Peete, ranked No. 11 in 2025, outfielder Colton Ledbetter from Tampa Bay, and two Competitive Balance Round B draft picks, No. 68 from Seattle and No. 72 from Tampa Bay.

The Rays receive infielder Ben Williamson from the Mariners. Williamson appeared in 85 games last season and posted 1.3 WAR, driven largely by his defense. Bob Nightengale of USA Today and other outlets confirmed Williamson’s inclusion in the package.

Cijntje adds rare upside as a switch-pitcher, while Peete brings athleticism and developing power. Ledbetter provides additional outfield depth, and the draft picks strengthen St. Louis’ long-term retooling efforts.

Impact on the Involved Teams

Donovan‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ is a multi-tool Types for a team in the Seattle area changing the infielder human ones in position who also contributes offense consistently; that is perfectly in line with the request from Jerry Dipoto for a versatile hitter.

The Redbirds take a player who still has two years of control and turn him into prospects and draft capital as they adjust their roster timeline. Tampa Bay gets a defense-first infielder who is especially versatile.

CBS Sports analysts had spotted Seattle as the best fit mainly because they have a wealth of prospects and a clear positional need. Besides helping the Cardinals with their long-term plan, the acquisition makes the Mariners more ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌competitive.

Also Read: Miami Marlins’ outfielder Avisail Garcia announces retirement at 34 after 13 MLB seasons

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