The Seattle Mariners are on the verge of making a major move, closing in on a trade to acquire All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals, according to multiple reports. The deal reportedly involves a third team-the Tampa Bay Rays-adding another layer of intrigue to what’s shaping up to be one of the more significant transactions of the offseason.
Donovan, 2025 NL All-Star and one of the most quietly consistent performers in the league last season, is exactly the kind of player who can elevate a contender’s lineup. The 26-year-old lefty hit .287 over 118 games in 2025, good for a top-20 mark in the National League.
But it wasn’t just the average that stood out-it was how he got there. Donovan posted a .353 on-base percentage and a .775 OPS, mixing contact skills with just enough pop to keep pitchers honest.
He tallied 132 hits, including 32 doubles and 10 home runs, while driving in 50 runs and scoring 64 times. Add in a low strikeout rate and a 2.7 WAR, and you’ve got a player who does a little bit of everything-and does it well.
Seattle’s interest makes perfect sense. Donovan brings a level of versatility that fits the Mariners’ mold.
He spent most of last season at second base but also saw time in the outfield and other infield spots. That kind of flexibility is gold for a team looking to make a postseason push, especially one that values defensive adaptability and lineup depth as much as Seattle does.
It’s also worth noting that Donovan isn’t just a stat-sheet filler. He had real moments last season that showcased his impact.
One of the most memorable came in late September when he ripped four doubles in a single game against the Giants-an exclamation point on a strong finish to the year. Even as the Cardinals stumbled to a 78-84 record and a fourth-place finish in the NL Central, Donovan remained one of the few bright spots, playing through some late-season bumps and still producing.
While the full details of the trade haven’t been finalized, and the Rays’ role in the deal remains to be fully revealed, the Mariners appear to be positioning themselves to add a high-floor, high-IQ player who fits seamlessly into what they’re building. Donovan may not be the flashiest name on the market, but he’s the kind of player who helps win games in October-by grinding out at-bats, playing clean defense, and showing up in big moments.
If the deal gets across the finish line, Seattle fans should be excited. Brendan Donovan isn’t just a nice addition-he’s a winning piece.