The Seattle Mariners addressed a key roster need on Monday, reportedly acquiring All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-team trade that also involved the Tampa Bay Rays, according to multiple media sources. The move gives Seattle a versatile, proven bat as it looks to solidify its everyday lineup for the upcoming season.
Donovan, 29, brings flexibility and consistency to the Mariners’ infield. An All-Star in 2025 as a second baseman, Donovan has built a reputation as one of baseball’s most adaptable players. Over four seasons with St. Louis, he appeared at every position except pitcher, catcher and center field, while posting a strong career slash line of .282/.361/.411. His defensive value was recognized early, as he earned a Gold Glove for his utility work during his rookie season in 2022.
Seattle gains Donovan under team-friendly terms. He is reportedly signed to a $5.8 million deal for 2026 and remains under club control for an additional season before reaching free agency, reported Reuters. Donovan could step in at third base, a position left open after Eugenio Suárez departed in free agency to rejoin the Cincinnati Reds. He also offers insurance at second base if the Mariners decide highly touted 22-year-old prospect Cole Young needs more time before becoming a full-time regular.
In return, the Cardinals receive a notable package of young talent. Seattle is sending 2024 first-round pick Jurrangelo Cijntje, a rare switch-pitcher, along with 2023 first-round selection Tai Peete to St. Louis. The Rays receive second-year third baseman Ben Williamson from the Mariners, while Tampa Bay sends Double-A outfielder Colton Ledbetter and a Comp B draft pick to the Cardinals.
Cijntje, 22, gives St. Louis another intriguing young starter with six years of team control. The Netherlands native made 26 appearances last season between High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas, finishing with a 3.99 ERA and 120 strikeouts. Most notably, he faced the majority of hitters right-handed, where he showed far better command and strikeout rates than from the left side.
Peete, just 20, struggled with consistency at High-A Everett but flashed upside with 19 home runs and 25 stolen bases while playing center field. Williamson, meanwhile, debuted in the majors last season, batting .253 across 85 games, though he did not appear during Seattle’s deep postseason run.
Ledbetter, 24, spent all of last year at Double-A Montgomery, hitting .265 with 37 stolen bases and seven home runs. The deal reshapes all three organizations, but for Seattle, Donovan’s arrival signals a clear push to contend now.
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Seattle gains Donovan under team-friendly terms. He is reportedly signed to a $5.8 million deal for 2026 and remains under club control for an additional season before reaching free agency, reported Reuters. Donovan could step in at third base, a position left open after Eugenio Suárez departed in free agency to rejoin the Cincinnati Reds. He also offers insurance at second base if the Mariners decide highly touted 22-year-old prospect Cole Young needs more time before becoming a full-time regular.
In return, the Cardinals receive a notable package of young talent. Seattle is sending 2024 first-round pick Jurrangelo Cijntje, a rare switch-pitcher, along with 2023 first-round selection Tai Peete to St. Louis. The Rays receive second-year third baseman Ben Williamson from the Mariners, while Tampa Bay sends Double-A outfielder Colton Ledbetter and a Comp B draft pick to the Cardinals.
Cijntje, 22, gives St. Louis another intriguing young starter with six years of team control. The Netherlands native made 26 appearances last season between High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas, finishing with a 3.99 ERA and 120 strikeouts. Most notably, he faced the majority of hitters right-handed, where he showed far better command and strikeout rates than from the left side.
Peete, just 20, struggled with consistency at High-A Everett but flashed upside with 19 home runs and 25 stolen bases while playing center field. Williamson, meanwhile, debuted in the majors last season, batting .253 across 85 games, though he did not appear during Seattle’s deep postseason run.
Ledbetter, 24, spent all of last year at Double-A Montgomery, hitting .265 with 37 stolen bases and seven home runs. The deal reshapes all three organizations, but for Seattle, Donovan’s arrival signals a clear push to contend now.
