Mariners Near Deal to Acquire All-Star Brendan Donovan from Cardinals: Sources
The St. Louis Cardinals are on the verge of trading All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan to the Seattle Mariners, according to multiple reports. This potential deal may also involve the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-team trade, pending medical evaluations.
Brendan Donovan’s Impact and Value
Brendan Donovan, 29, has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in baseball this offseason. The Cardinals have been exploring trade options for Donovan, who has gained significant interest from various teams, including the Mariners and San Francisco Giants.
Originally drafted by the Cardinals in 2018, Donovan has rapidly ascended through the team’s minor leagues. Over the past two seasons, he has proven to be one of the top performers in the lineup. Donovan primarily played second base in 2025 but has shown versatility, playing in left field and accumulating over 100 career innings at multiple positions such as third base, first base, shortstop, and right field.
Statistics and Performance
- Donovan has a career wRC+ of 117, indicating consistent offensive production.
- He recorded a 2.9 fWAR last season, which aligns him with players like Riley Greene and Ian Happ.
- In the past two seasons, Donovan has maintained a total of 30-plus doubles and 10-plus home runs.
Cardinals’ Rebuilding Strategy
Under the leadership of president Chaim Bloom, who took over in October, the Cardinals are entering a rebuilding phase. They aim to revamp their roster while focusing on developing young talent. Since the previous trade deadline, the team has made eight significant trades, including veterans like Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras.
The organization is utilizing these trades to acquire younger players who can contribute in the near future. As part of their strategy, the Cardinals believe trading Donovan would help them secure a substantial prospect return.
Current Status of Trade Talks
The Cardinals have engaged in discussions with several teams about Donovan, particularly the Mariners and Giants. While the Giants opted for free agent Luis Arraez, this decision prompted the Mariners to ramp up their efforts to finalize the trade. Donovan, with two years of team control remaining, is expected to command a significant return for St. Louis.
Projected Lineup and Future Prospects
The Cardinals’ recent trades have opened up opportunities for younger players to secure more consistent playing time. A potential lineup could feature:
- Lars Nootbar, LF
- Masyn Winn, SS
- Alec Burleson, 1B
- Iván Herrera, DH
- Nolan Gorman, 3B
- Jordan Walker, RF
- Thomas Saggese, 2B
- Victor Scott, CF
- Pedro Pagés, C
Additionally, the potential trade of Donovan could facilitate increased playing time for JJ Wetherholt, one of baseball’s highly regarded prospects. As the Cardinals continue to reshape their roster, they may not be finished trading, as several players remain targets for deals.
Overall, the anticipated acquisition of Brendan Donovan by the Mariners could mark a significant shift in both teams’ trajectories as they enter the upcoming season.
