Mariners Land Versatile All-Star Brendan Donovan in Multi-Team Deal
SEATTLE - The Mariners just made a move that signals they’re serious about contending - not just in the AL West, but in October. Seattle has acquired All-Star utility man Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals in a multi-team deal that also involved the Tampa Bay Rays. And while the price tag was steep, the Mariners are betting big on Donovan’s versatility, contact bat, and postseason-caliber pedigree.
Let’s unpack what this deal means - and why it could be a game-changer for Seattle.
Who the Mariners Are Getting: Brendan Donovan
Donovan, 29, is the kind of player every contender wants in their lineup - and their dugout. He earned his first All-Star nod last season after hitting .287 with 10 home runs, 50 RBIs, and a .775 OPS. But the stat line only tells part of the story.
He’s a career .282 hitter with a .772 OPS over four seasons, and he’s racked up 97 doubles and 40 home runs along the way. What makes Donovan especially valuable, though, is his defensive flexibility.
He can play all over the diamond - infield and outfield - and do it well. In fact, he took home a Gold Glove in 2022 for his work as a utility player, a rare honor that speaks volumes about his defensive chops.
For a Mariners team that has dealt with offensive inconsistency and has prized positional flexibility, Donovan fits like a glove - literally and figuratively.
What Seattle Gave Up
To land Donovan, the Mariners had to part with some serious prospect capital. Heading to St.
Louis are switch pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje - Seattle’s No. 7 prospect, per MLB Pipeline - and outfielder Tai Peete, ranked No. 11 in the system. The Cardinals also received Rays prospect Colton Ledbetter (No. 24 in Tampa Bay’s system), plus two competitive-balance Round B draft picks.
The Rays, meanwhile, acquired infielder Ben Williamson from Seattle to round out the three-team swap.
It’s a haul, no doubt. Cijntje is one of the more intriguing young arms in the minors - a true ambidextrous pitcher with upside and flair. Peete brings athleticism and raw tools, while Ledbetter offers Tampa Bay another high-upside outfield prospect to develop in their system.
But for Seattle, this is about now. This front office knows its window is open, and Donovan gives them a proven, controllable bat who can lengthen the lineup and cover multiple positions.
Why This Deal Matters
Seattle’s strength has long been its pitching - both in the rotation and the bullpen. But the offense has lagged behind at times, especially when it comes to getting on base and putting pressure on opposing pitchers. Donovan helps solve that.
He’s a contact-first hitter with a disciplined approach and the ability to work counts. He doesn’t chase.
He doesn’t strike out much. And he gives manager Scott Servais the kind of lineup flexibility that can be crucial over a 162-game grind - and even more so in October.
This is also a signal from the Mariners’ front office: they’re not just trying to make the playoffs - they’re trying to win once they get there. Donovan isn’t a rental.
He’s under team control, and his skill set ages well. He’s the type of piece that helps build sustainable success.
Big Picture
For the Cardinals, this is a classic retooling move. They’re betting on upside and replenishing a farm system with high-ceiling talent. The Rays do what the Rays do - find value and make smart, targeted additions like Williamson.
But the spotlight here belongs to Seattle. Brendan Donovan isn’t a household name - yet.
But ask around league circles, and you’ll hear the same thing: this guy’s a gamer. He’s the kind of player who does all the little things right, and who shows up when the lights are brightest.
And now, he’s wearing navy and teal.