Mariners Close to Finalizing Trade for Cardinals All-Star Brendan Donovan
Major League Baseball is buzzing with the news that the Seattle Mariners are close to finalizing a trade for St. Louis Cardinals All-Star Brendan Donovan. This trade will also involve the Tampa Bay Rays, marking a significant movement in the league.
Key Trade Details
The exact return for both the Cardinals and the Rays has not been disclosed. However, the involvement of multiple teams suggests a strategic reshuffling among various franchises.
Brendan Donovan’s Performance
Brendan Donovan, 29, enjoyed a productive 2025 season with the Cardinals. He posted impressive stats, including:
- Batting average: .287
- On-base percentage: .353
- Slugging percentage: .422
- Home runs: 10
- Doubles: 32
- Runs batted in (RBIs): 50
- Games played: 118
Donovan has established himself as a versatile player during his four years in MLB. He won the NL Utility Gold Glove in his rookie season and has experience in all defensive positions, except for pitcher, catcher, and center field.
Contract and Future
Donovan is under team control for two more seasons and is entering arbitration eligibility for the first time this offseason. MLB Trade Rumors anticipates that he will earn approximately $5.4 million this season.
Cardinals’ Offseason Moves
This potential trade signifies the Cardinals’ ongoing offseason strategy of selling key players. Earlier, they traded star third baseman Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks and veteran pitcher Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox.
Mariners’ Plans
If the trade finalizes, Donovan is expected to take over the third base position for the Mariners. This comes after slugger Eugenio Suarez’s departure to the Cincinnati Reds, where he signed a one-year deal following a successful playoff run that saw the Mariners reach Game 7 of the AL Championship Series.
