Overview
- The teams announced Monday that Seattle landed Brendan Donovan, with St. Louis receiving Jurrangelo Cijntje, Tai Peete, Colton Ledbetter and Competitive Balance Round B picks No. 68 and No. 72, while Tampa Bay acquired Ben Williamson.
- Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto called Donovan an ideal fit, citing his offensive skill, defensive versatility, instincts and character.
- Donovan, 29, made his first All-Star team in 2025 and won a 2022 utility Gold Glove, owns a .282/.361/.411 career line, and is set to earn $5.8 million in 2026 with free agency after 2027.
- Seattle targeted Donovan to bolster its infield and on-base profile after losing Jorge Polanco and Eugenio Suárez, with expectations he will hit near the top of the lineup.
- Cardinals executive Chaim Bloom framed the return as a rebuild move to deepen the club’s talent pipeline with young, controllable players and added draft capital.