The Seattle Mariners are making noise this offseason, and their latest target shows they’re not just looking to fill holes - they’re aiming to add impact. According to league reports, Seattle has emerged as one of the top contenders in trade talks with the St. Louis Cardinals for Brendan Donovan, the versatile utilityman who just wrapped up an All-Star 2025 campaign.
Talks between the Mariners and Cardinals have reportedly picked up steam since the Winter Meetings, and the names being floated suggest this isn’t just a casual conversation. Among the prospects St.
Louis has shown interest in: switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje and outfielder Lazaro Montes - both ranked inside Seattle’s top seven prospects by MLB Pipeline. That gives you an idea of the kind of return the Cardinals are seeking.
Word is, they won’t move Donovan unless they’re absolutely floored by the offer - and they’re looking for at least two high-end prospects to make it happen.
The Mariners aren’t alone in this pursuit. The San Francisco Giants are also in the mix for Donovan, and both clubs are reportedly still engaged in discussions with the Arizona Diamondbacks about second baseman Ketel Marte. So Seattle’s front office is clearly casting a wide net as they look to reshape their infield.
Now, let’s talk Donovan. The 28-year-old is the kind of player every contending team wants - a Swiss Army knife who can plug in almost anywhere on the diamond.
In four big league seasons, he’s played every position except catcher, though he’s logged most of his innings at second base and left field. For the Mariners, he’d likely be penciled in at second or third, depending on how their young infield talent - guys like Cole Young, Ben Williamson, and Colt Emerson - shake out this spring.
Donovan’s 2025 season was nothing short of impressive. He hit .287 with a .353 OBP and .422 slugging percentage, good for a .775 OPS.
He racked up 32 doubles, 10 homers, and 50 RBIs in 118 games. But what really sets him apart is his bat-to-ball skill - a 13% strikeout rate that ranked in the 92nd percentile, and a whiff rate in the 95th percentile.
In a league where swing-and-miss is often the cost of power, Donovan brings a rare blend of contact and consistency.
Over his career, Donovan owns a .282 average, .361 OBP, and .772 OPS with 97 doubles, 40 home runs, and 202 RBIs across 492 games. He also took home a Gold Glove in 2022 as a rookie, recognized as the National League’s top utility defender. That kind of profile - high contact, defensive flexibility, postseason experience - checks a lot of boxes for a Mariners team that’s looking to take the next step.
Of course, acquiring a player like Donovan won’t come cheap, and the Cardinals are doing their homework. Cijntje, one of the names reportedly discussed, is Seattle’s No. 7 prospect and one of the most unique arms in the minors.
The 22-year-old switch-pitcher - yes, he throws with both hands - posted a 3.99 ERA and 1.22 WHIP across High-A and Double-A in 2025. He held hitters to a .207 average and struck out 120 batters in 108 1/3 innings.
That kind of upside doesn’t come around often, and it’s easy to see why St. Louis is intrigued.
Then there’s Montes, Seattle’s No. 3 prospect and arguably the best power bat in their system. The 21-year-old outfielder slugged 32 homers across High-A and Double-A this season, finishing tied for third in all of minor league baseball.
He added 19 doubles, seven triples, and drove in 89 runs while posting an .858 OPS. The flip side?
He struck out 169 times in 131 games - but with power like that, teams are willing to live with some swing-and-miss.
The timing of the Donovan news is also worth noting. It came on the same day the Mariners reportedly lost out on re-signing Jorge Polanco, who agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Mets. That leaves a hole at second base and DH - and makes the pursuit of Donovan feel even more urgent.
For Seattle, this offseason is shaping up to be a critical one. With a strong pitching staff and a core of young talent, the Mariners are on the cusp of contention.
Adding a player like Donovan - who brings versatility, contact, and postseason experience - could be a key piece in pushing them over the top. The question now is whether they’re willing to meet the Cardinals’ steep asking price.