The Seattle Mariners are finalizing a trade to acquire infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan in a three-team deal involving the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays. This information was confirmed by a source to FOX 13 Seattle, and the deal was first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Donovan, 29, has been a target for the Mariners during the offseason, with negotiations intensifying as spring training approaches. He is coming off a successful season with the Cardinals, where he achieved an All-Star appearance and posted a batting average of .287, along with 10 home runs, 32 doubles, and 50 RBIs over 118 games. His career on-base percentage of .361 positions him as a potential lead-off candidate for the Mariners, complementing key players such as Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, and Josh Naylor.
Donovan’s Versatility Enhances Mariners’ Depth
Primarily playing second base, Donovan showcases versatility with experience at shortstop, third base, left field, right field, and first base. His ability to fill multiple positions will be particularly valuable for the Mariners, especially following the loss of Jorge Polanco, who recently joined the New York Mets in free agency.
Donovan is set to earn $5.8 million this season, marking the second year of his salary arbitration. He remains under club control through the 2027 season before hitting free agency, making him an attractive addition for Seattle’s future.
In exchange for Donovan, the Mariners will send switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje and outfielder Tai Peete to the Cardinals, while Ben Williamson, a third baseman, will be traded to the Rays. Both Cijntje and Peete are former first-round draft picks, while Williamson was selected in the second round, indicating the Mariners’ commitment to investing in promising talent.
Seattle’s Strategic Moves in the Offseason
This trade reflects the Mariners’ strategic approach as they aim to strengthen their roster ahead of the upcoming season. The acquisition of Donovan not only addresses immediate needs but also signifies a long-term vision for the team’s competitive future.
As the Mariners continue to prepare for the season, fans and analysts will be closely watching the impact of this trade on the team’s performance. With spring training on the horizon, the Mariners’ front office is clearly focused on creating a robust lineup that can contend in the highly competitive American League West.
This trade marks a significant moment in the Mariners’ offseason, one that could reshape their trajectory for the 2024 season and beyond.
