Mariners Near Acquisition of Brendan Donovan
Recent reports indicate that the Seattle Mariners are nearing a trade to acquire infielder and outfielder Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals. This potential transaction, which could involve a third team, is gaining traction in Major League Baseball.
Details of the Brendan Donovan Trade
The discussions surrounding Donovan’s trade have intensified, with various sources confirming the Mariners’ interest in the player. According to reports from Katie Woo and Chad Jennings of The Athletic, the Tampa Bay Rays might act as the third team in this deal. ESPN’s Jeff Passan has further clarified that Tampa Bay is expected to receive infielder Ben Williamson from the Mariners.
Context of the Trade
Brendan Donovan, who is entering his arbitration seasons, is expected to earn a modest $5.8 million in 2026. Given his contract situation, the Cardinals do not face financial pressure to deal him. However, the franchise is leaning towards a rebuild after a challenging offseason, during which they struggled to move other veteran players who hold no-trade clauses.
- Nolan Arenado has been traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
- Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras are heading to the Boston Red Sox.
These moves signify the Cardinals’ decisive shift towards a younger roster. Donovan, currently 29 years old, is set to enter his age-31 season at the start of free agency. The Cardinals are assessing their competitive window and may not be ready to contend by that time.
Brendan Donovan’s Versatility and Performance
Donovan is known for his defensive versatility, capable of playing all four infield positions and the outfield corners. His consistent performance at the plate makes him an attractive prospect for many teams. Over four seasons in Major League Baseball, he has maintained a low strikeout rate, achieving between 12% and 15%, compared to the league average of around 22%.
- Career batting line: .282/.361/.411
- Career wRC+: 119, indicating he is 19% more productive than the league average.
- Donovan has hit at least 10 home runs each of the past three seasons.
With his affordable salary and ability to fill various roles on the field, Donovan has generated interest from close to half of the teams in the league. As discussions progress, more details are anticipated surrounding this potential trade.
