The Mariners finally landed their guy.
After months of pursuit, Seattle pulled off a three-team trade with the Cardinals and Rays to acquire Brendan Donovan - the versatile, high-contact infielder/outfielder who’s been on their radar all offseason. It’s a big swing for a team that’s been looking to bolster its offense and add lineup flexibility, and Donovan fits that need like a glove. He’s the type of player who doesn’t just fill a hole - he gives a manager options.
In return, the Cardinals received a package centered around pitching prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje, along with two additional prospects and a draft pick. Cijntje has drawn attention not only for his talent but also for his rare ability to pitch with both arms.
Though he’s now listed officially as a right-hander, the ambidextrous intrigue around him had become something of a cult favorite among baseball fans. Still, the Cardinals are betting on his upside, and they’ve made it clear they’re not afraid to shake things up as they look to retool.
This deal is part of a broader shift happening in St. Louis.
With new team president Chaim Bloom at the helm, the Cardinals are undergoing what looks like a full-scale rebuild - a rarity for a franchise that’s only had three losing seasons since 2000. But after two of those came in the last three years, the message is clear: it’s time for a reset.
Bloom’s vision is long-term, and this trade is just one piece of a larger puzzle.
Elsewhere around the league, former Cubs first baseman Carlos Santana has signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Diamondbacks. It’s a low-risk move for Arizona, bringing in a veteran bat who can still provide some pop and leadership in the clubhouse.
The Athletics made a splash of their own, locking up shortstop Jacob Wilson to a seven-year, $70 million extension. It’s a clear signal that the A’s are trying to build a young core before their expected move to Las Vegas.
For a team that’s often been reluctant to spend, this kind of long-term investment marks a notable shift in philosophy. The front office seems to be setting the foundation now, hoping to carry some momentum into their next chapter.
The Reds also made a move, signing free agent Eugenio Suárez to a one-year deal. Suárez returns to Cincinnati, where he had some of his best seasons. It's a reunion that could pay dividends if he can recapture some of that old form.
Meanwhile, the Giants added infielder Luis Arraez in a deal that adds a high-contact, low-strikeout presence to their lineup - a nice contrast in today’s power-heavy game. Arraez’s ability to put the ball in play consistently makes him a valuable piece for a team looking to improve its offensive consistency.
Back in L.A., the Dodgers made another roster shuffle, claiming outfielder Mike Siani off waivers and designating infielder Andy Ibanez for assignment. What makes this notable is that the Dodgers had DFA’d Siani just a month ago, and Ibanez had only recently signed a $1.2 million major league deal. It’s a reminder that the Dodgers’ front office is always tinkering, always looking for the right mix - even if it means reversing course quickly.
Avisaíl García, once a promising outfield bat, has officially announced his retirement. Injuries and inconsistency derailed what once looked like a high-ceiling career, but he leaves the game having played over a decade at the highest level.
In arbitration news, Orioles starter Kyle Bradish won his hearing and will earn $3.55 million in 2026. Bradish has quietly become a key piece of Baltimore’s rotation, and this payday reflects that progress. The Tigers and Tarik Skubal are set for their arbitration hearing later today, with Skubal looking to cash in after a strong showing last season.
Prospect rankings continue to roll out, and R.J. Anderson’s Top 100 list includes Cubs catcher Moisés Ballesteros - the lone representative from the North Side. Ballesteros is viewed as a potential impact bat behind the plate, and 2026 could be a big year in his development.
The Hall of Fame made it official: Carlos Beltrán will go in wearing a Mets cap. He becomes just the third player to enter Cooperstown as a Met, joining legends Tom Seaver and Mike Piazza. It’s a nod to the peak years of his career and the impact he had in Queens.
In Tampa, Florida governor Ron DeSantis and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred held a joint press conference in support of a new stadium for the Rays. The team is seeking public funding to cover half the cost - a familiar storyline in the modern stadium era. Whether or not the plan gets greenlit remains to be seen, but it’s clear the Rays are pushing hard to secure their future in Tampa.
There’s also some buzz around the World Baseball Classic. Several stars have been sidelined due to insurance issues - a frustrating trend that’s prevented the WBC from showcasing its full potential. As Jake Mintz points out, this raises the question of why international baseball still struggles to gain the same accessibility and visibility as global soccer.
Meanwhile, with the White Sox signing Munetaka Murakami, they’re reportedly upgrading their clubhouse - and yes, that includes installing bidets. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a big difference.
And finally, as the National League celebrates its 150th anniversary, MLB’s official historian John Thorn has resurfaced a fascinating look at the league’s founding documents and the transition from the old National Association. It’s a reminder of just how far the game has come - and how deep its roots really go.
All in all, it’s been a busy stretch across baseball. From major trades to quiet retirements, from arbitration battles to historic reflections, the offseason continues to deliver storylines that will shape the 2026 season and beyond.