The Seattle Mariners have experienced a fairly low-key offseason so far. Their lone significant move has been bringing back Josh Naylor on a five-year, $92.5 million deal.
Over the course of the winter, Seattle has frequently been connected to St. Louis Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan. Following the departures of Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado, and Willson Contreras, Donovan now stands as the Cardinals’ most valuable remaining trade asset.
With Jorge Polanco leaving in free agency to sign with the New York Mets, the Mariners are in need of another impact bat, and Donovan fits that profile. On the Refuse to Lose podcast with Brady Farkas, ESPN insider Buster Olney suggested that Donovan could be the next major piece moved on the trade market—a development that could play right into Seattle’s hands.
Do the Mariners Finally Have a Path to Donovan?
Seattle has reportedly been one of Donovan’s most serious suitors throughout the offseason. According to The Athletic’s Katie Woo, the Cardinals have shown interest in switch-pitching prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje, further linking the two clubs.
The Mariners possess the prospect depth necessary to complete a deal. And if Olney’s sense that Donovan is the next player to be traded is accurate, Seattle may be well-positioned to strike.
That said, acquiring Donovan won’t come cheap. St. Louis is expected to demand high-end prospects in return. Still, the 28-year-old would be an excellent fit for the Mariners’ roster.
Donovan was the Cardinals’ lone All-Star in 2025, batting .287 with 10 home runs and a .775 OPS. Seattle has clear needs at both second and third base, and Donovan can handle either spot, in addition to offering outfield versatility.
While the Mariners do have internal options, Donovan represents a more reliable solution. He may not provide the same power output as Polanco or Eugenio Suárez, but he’s a dependable contact hitter who gets on base, plays strong defense, and brings all-around value.
Now the question is whether Seattle can present Chaim Bloom and the Cardinals with an offer too good to pass up—or if the Mariners will ultimately be forced to explore other options.
