The Seattle Mariners just made a major splash, landing All-Star utility man Brendan Donovan in a three-team trade that caps off months of pursuit - and they paid a premium to get him.
Here’s how the deal shakes out: Seattle acquires Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals.
In return, the Cardinals receive right-hander Jurrangelo Cijntje, outfielder Colton Ledbetter, outfield prospect Tai Peete, and two competitive-balance Round B draft picks. The Tampa Bay Rays also get involved, picking up third baseman Ben Williamson from the Mariners.
Let’s break this down.
A Pricey, Purposeful Move by Seattle
This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment deal. The Mariners have had their eyes on Donovan for a while - they were labeled front-runners for his services back in mid-December - and now they’ve sealed the deal. But it came at a cost.
Seattle sent out two former first-rounders in Cijntje and Peete, a clear signal they see Donovan as a difference-maker right now. That’s a steep price for a player who doesn’t light up the home run column or steal headlines with gaudy numbers, but Donovan’s value runs deeper than the box score.
He’s the kind of player who fills gaps, raises the floor of a roster, and gives managers flexibility - the kind of guy winning teams always seem to have.
Why Donovan Fits in Seattle
The Mariners came within a game of winning the American League last season. They re-signed slugger Josh Naylor to bolster the lineup, but the middle infield still looked thin.
Before this trade, their top options up the middle were Ryan Bliss, Miles Mastrobuoni, and J.P. Crawford.
Solid names, but not a group that screams October-ready.
Enter Donovan.
He played second base 100 times last season and also logged innings in the outfield, making him a plug-and-play option wherever Seattle needs him most. He brings a steady left-handed bat with gap-to-gap power and a high-contact approach - exactly the kind of offensive profile that helps balance a lineup over a 162-game grind.
Last season, Donovan slashed .287/.353/.422 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs, despite dealing with a nagging toe injury that lingered through the second half. He still managed to post double-digit homers for the third straight year, showing he’s more than just a contact hitter. That versatility - both in the field and at the plate - is what made him such a hot commodity.
Why the Cardinals Moved On
From St. Louis’ perspective, this is another step in a clear rebuild.
They’ve been active all offseason, and trading Donovan was always a matter of when, not if. By waiting until February, they maximized their return, bringing in two top-end prospects and draft capital.
Cijntje is a switch-pitching righty with upside, and Peete is a toolsy outfielder with first-round pedigree. Add in Ledbetter and two comp picks, and the Cardinals added a healthy dose of future value.
What Could’ve Been for Cleveland
For Guardians fans, this one might sting a little. Donovan had been a dream target - someone who could’ve upgraded their second base or right field production, both of which were among the worst in the league last season. Cleveland second basemen hit just .216, and their right fielders were even worse at .200.
Even though Donovan bats left-handed, and Cleveland reportedly wanted to balance out their lineup with a righty, his offensive skillset still checked a lot of boxes. He’s a contact-first hitter with pop, capable of extending innings and wearing down pitchers - the kind of offensive presence that could’ve helped the Guardians in their quest to repeat as AL Central champs.
Instead, they’ll get a front-row seat to see what they missed out on. Cleveland opens the season in Seattle on March 26, and Donovan will likely be right in the middle of the Mariners' lineup, doing what he does best: making winning plays in ways that don’t always show up in the highlight reel - but always matter.