Mariners Land Brendan Donovan in Three-Team Deal, Betting Big on Versatility and Consistency
The Seattle Mariners just made a move that speaks volumes about where they see themselves heading in 2026 - and who they think can help get them there. In a three-team trade involving the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle acquired infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan, a player who checks just about every box the Mariners value: versatility, consistency, and a high baseball IQ.
What Seattle Gave Up - and Why It Matters
To land Donovan, the Mariners sent a package of talent out the door. INF Ben Williamson goes to the Rays, while RHP/LHP Jurrangelo Cijntje, OF Tai Peete, and a 2026 Competitive Balance Round B draft pick (68th overall) head to St.
Louis. The Rays also shipped OF Colton Ledbetter and another Competitive Balance Round B pick (72nd overall) to the Cardinals.
This isn’t a small move. Cijntje and Peete were both top-10 prospects in Seattle’s farm system, and Williamson showed promise in his rookie campaign last year. But the Mariners clearly believe Donovan brings something they didn’t have - or at least not in the same package.
Why Brendan Donovan Fits the Mariners’ Mold
“It's tough to imagine a better fit for our current team than Brendan,” said Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto, and it’s easy to see why.
Donovan, 29, is the kind of player who quietly elevates a roster. He hit .287 over 118 games for the Cardinals in 2025, with 32 doubles, 10 home runs, and 50 RBI.
He also drew 42 walks against just 67 strikeouts - a ratio that speaks to his disciplined approach at the plate. That performance earned him his first All-Star nod, and he finished tied for 9th in batting average among qualified National League hitters.
But it’s not just the numbers - it’s how Donovan gets them. He brings a rare blend of top-of-the-order tools and defensive flexibility. Whether he’s playing second, third, left field, or filling in wherever needed, Donovan gives the Mariners a plug-and-play option who doesn’t sacrifice production for versatility.
And he’s been doing it for a while. Since debuting in 2022, Donovan has slashed .282/.361/.411 across 492 games, racking up 97 doubles, 40 home runs, and 202 RBI.
He’s one of just five players to hit at least .275 in each of the last four seasons (min. 350 plate appearances), joining names like Freddie Freeman and Luis Arráez on that list. That’s elite company.
A Glance at the Departures
While Donovan is the headliner, the Mariners did part ways with some intriguing talent.
Ben Williamson, 25, made his MLB debut in 2025 and showed flashes of potential. He hit .253 over 85 games with the big club and posted a strong .314 average with Triple-A Tacoma. A second-round pick in 2023, Williamson has shown solid bat-to-ball skills and defensive chops in the infield.
Then there’s Jurrangelo Cijntje, one of the more fascinating prospects in baseball. The 22-year-old switch-pitcher - yes, he throws both right- and left-handed - reached Double-A in his first pro season after being taken 15th overall in the 2024 draft.
In 26 appearances (23 starts), he logged a 3.99 ERA with 120 strikeouts over 108.1 innings. His unique profile and raw stuff made him the No. 7 prospect in Seattle’s system, and the Cardinals are clearly betting on his upside.
Tai Peete, 20, is another high-ceiling prospect. Drafted 30th overall in 2023, he’s shown flashes of power and speed, hitting 19 home runs and stealing 25 bases in High-A last season. While his .217 average leaves room for growth, his athleticism and tools earned him the No. 10 spot in the Mariners’ prospect rankings.
The Bigger Picture for Seattle
This is the fifth three-team trade in Mariners history, and their first since 2018. It’s also a clear signal that the front office believes the window to compete is open - and that Brendan Donovan can be a major part of that push.
Seattle’s 40-man roster remains full, but this move isn’t about roster math - it’s about adding a player who can help win games right now. Donovan brings a steady bat, defensive flexibility, and a winning mentality. He’s the kind of player who may not always make headlines, but whose value shows up in the standings.
In a division that’s only getting tougher, the Mariners just added a proven performer who fits their identity to a tee. It’s a calculated swing - and one that could pay off big in 2026.