The Seattle Mariners are firmly in the thick of the offseason rumor mill, and one name continues to rise to the top of the conversation: Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan. According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, Donovan isn’t just a potential trade candidate-he’s practically a lock to be dealt before spring training begins in February.
“I would be surprised, almost leaning on stunned, if he is still a Card when they report to Jupiter, Florida,” Morosi said during his weekly spot on Seattle Sports. That’s a strong statement, but it reflects the direction the Cardinals appear to be heading under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom.
With St. Louis shifting into what Morosi calls a “talent-acquisition phase,” Donovan could be the centerpiece of Bloom’s first major move.
For Seattle, the fit is intriguing-and not just because Donovan brings versatility and a high-contact bat. The Mariners have built up a surplus of young infield talent, and Morosi believes it’s time to start making some tough decisions.
“There’s a logjam,” he said, pointing to the depth at second, third, and shortstop. “Crawford, Emerson, Young, Williamson-they’re not all going to be everyday players in 2026. It’s not possible.”
That’s the kind of clarity front offices dream of but rarely get. The Mariners are in a position where they can deal from strength, and Morosi suggests that packaging one of their young infielders could be the cleanest path to landing Donovan. He even referenced a cautionary tale in Harry Ford-Seattle’s top catching prospect-who may have lost some trade value by not being moved when his stock was higher.
“I think it’s time for the Mariners to make a choice,” Morosi said. “Whoever is not part of that inner, inner circle-you move them.
Because this isn’t about winning trades on the margins. This is a team that can win a World Series.
It’s important to realize just how close they are.”
That’s a bold endorsement, but it speaks to the moment Seattle is in. This isn’t a rebuild or a retool. This is a team that’s built to contend now, and the right addition could push them over the top.
While Donovan appears to be the most natural fit, Morosi also mentioned that the Mariners haven’t ruled out a deal with the Diamondbacks for former Mariner Ketel Marte. Still, he sees the Cardinals as a more logical trade partner, especially with Donovan’s flexibility and age.
And timing could play a major role in how this all unfolds. The posting window for Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami closes on Dec. 22, and Morosi believes that deadline could create a flurry of action.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if a lot of things collide a week from now,” he said. “It’s the last Monday before Christmas, it’s the deadline for Murakami. The Mariners might say either accept this deal for Donovan or we’re going to turn and make an offer to Murakami and then we’re done here.”
Seattle is reportedly among the teams interested in Murakami, though it’s unclear if they’ve made a formal offer. Still, the looming deadline could force the Mariners-and other teams-to make some quick decisions.
There’s also the long game to consider. If Seattle doesn’t strike a deal now, Morosi believes there could be value in waiting. One name he floated: former Mariner Geno Suárez.
“If you wait, you may be able to get Geno Suárez on a smaller dollar value than the $20 million per year Jorge Polanco received,” Morosi said. “Don’t know how many years, but let’s just see how the market plays out once Alex Bregman signs.”
That’s the kind of strategic patience that could pay off big. If the Mariners are willing to let the market settle, they might find a bargain-or at least a more favorable deal-later in the offseason.
But make no mistake, the Mariners are in a position of strength. They have the depth, the prospect capital, and a roster that’s already playoff-caliber.
Now it’s about finding the right final piece-or pieces-to elevate them into true championship territory. Whether that’s Brendan Donovan, Murakami, or a familiar face like Suárez, the next few weeks could go a long way in shaping the 2026 version of a team that believes it’s ready to win now.