Brendan Donovan Trade Rumors: Giants, Mariners Lead Chase for Cardinals’ Versatile Asset
Brendan Donovan isn’t just on the trade block - he’s practically the centerpiece of it. The St.
Louis Cardinals’ ultra-versatile utility man has drawn widespread interest across the league, and as we inch closer to the heart of the offseason, the trade buzz is getting louder. While plenty of contenders have checked in, two teams have emerged as frontrunners in the Donovan sweepstakes: the San Francisco Giants and the Seattle Mariners.
Both clubs are clearly in "win now" mode and see Donovan as a piece that can elevate their rosters immediately. And for good reason - his ability to play all over the diamond, get on base, and grind out quality at-bats makes him a dream addition for any postseason hopeful. But if the Mariners want to win this bidding war, it might cost them some of their most prized young talent.
Mariners’ Top Prospects in Play?
According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, Seattle may need to part with one or more of its top infield prospects to land Donovan. That includes names like Colt Emerson, Cole Young, and Ben Williamson - a trio that represents a significant chunk of the Mariners' future infield plans.
Let’s start with Emerson. He’s the crown jewel of Seattle’s farm system right now, and for good reason.
The 2025 season saw him slash .285/.841 with 16 home runs across three levels - High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A - all before turning 20. While shortstop has been his primary position, there’s a growing belief that third base might be where he ultimately lands.
That’s a key detail, especially with the Cardinals potentially moving on from Nolan Arenado this winter. If St.
Louis is looking for a long-term replacement at the hot corner, Emerson fits the bill almost too perfectly.
Then there’s Cole Young, who just made his big-league debut in 2025. The numbers weren’t eye-popping - a .211 average and .607 OPS - but the tools are still there.
He was the Mariners’ top prospect just a year ago, and while his stock may have dipped slightly, he’s still a 22-year-old with upside. If Seattle is ready to compete now, flipping Young for a more established contributor like Donovan could be a move they’re willing to make.
Ben Williamson rounds out the group. While not as flashy as Emerson or Young, he’s a steady presence with a reputation for solid defense at third base.
Offensively, he posted a .253 average and a .604 OPS in 2025 - not numbers that jump off the page, but he brings value with the glove. He’s currently ranked No. 16 in Seattle’s prospect pipeline.
Cardinals in the Driver’s Seat
What makes this situation so interesting is that the Cardinals, despite being in a rebuild, are in a position of strength. With fewer teams actively tanking and more clubs trying to contend, the demand for MLB-ready talent is high.
St. Louis has exactly what teams like Seattle and San Francisco are looking for: versatile, controllable players who can contribute right away.
That gives Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom plenty of leverage. Donovan isn’t just a plug-and-play guy - he’s a tone-setter.
The kind of player who helps good teams become great. And with multiple suitors circling, Bloom has every reason to hold out for a top-tier return.
If the Mariners are serious - and all signs suggest they are - they may have to part with someone like Emerson to get the deal done. That’s the kind of tradeoff that can sting in the short term but pay off in October. For the Cardinals, adding a cornerstone prospect like Emerson could be the kind of foundational move that accelerates their rebuild and sets them up for long-term success.
What’s Next?
The stove is hot, and the clock is ticking. Donovan is one of the most sought-after names on the market right now, and with both the Giants and Mariners pushing hard, it’s only a matter of time before a deal gets done. The question is: how high will the price go?
If you're St. Louis, you’re loving the position you're in.
If you're Seattle or San Francisco, you're weighing the cost of today’s upgrade against tomorrow’s potential. Either way, Brendan Donovan’s name is going to be front and center until the ink dries on a deal - and it’s shaping up to be a big one.