Seattle Mariners Land All-Star Brendan Donovan In Major Three-Team Trade

The Seattle Mariners made a splash to kick off February, officially announcing a blockbuster three-team trade that brings All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan to the Pacific Northwest. The deal, finalized on February 2, 2026, involves the St. Louis Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Rays, shaking up the rosters of all three clubs and signaling the Mariners’ intent to build on their deep postseason run last year.

The centerpiece of the trade is Brendan Donovan, a 28-year-old utilityman who has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most versatile and consistent players in Major League Baseball. Donovan, who won the National League Gold Glove at utility in 2022 and made his first All-Star appearance in 2025, arrives in Seattle after hitting a career-high .287 across 118 games last season. He added 10 home runs, 32 doubles, a .353 on-base percentage, and a .775 OPS to his resume—numbers that had clubs across the league vying for his services throughout the winter.

To land Donovan, the Mariners sent a package of promising young talent out the door. Switch-pitching phenom Jurrangelo Cijntje and outfielder Tai Peete go to the Cardinals, while third baseman Ben Williamson heads to the Rays. Tampa Bay, in turn, ships outfield prospect Colton Ledbetter to St. Louis. The Cardinals also receive a Competitive Balance B draft pick from both the Mariners and the Rays, further stocking their farm system as they continue an aggressive rebuild under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom.

"It’s tough to imagine a better fit for our current team than Brendan," Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto declared in the club’s press release. "His combination of offensive skill, defensive versatility, consistency in performance, baseball instincts, and quality of character line up with what we value most." General manager Justin Hollander echoed the enthusiasm, stating, "Brendan brings a unique blend of elite top-of-the-lineup traits and versatility that makes him a perfect fit for our roster. We are excited to welcome him to Seattle."

For the Mariners, this marks their second major trade of the offseason. In December, they shipped rookie catcher Harry Ford and minor league pitcher Isaac Lyon to the Washington Nationals for left-handed reliever Jose Ferrer. Free agency also saw Seattle re-sign first baseman Josh Naylor and add outfielder Rob Refsnyder and backup catcher Andrew Knizner, further bolstering a roster that reached Game 7 of the American League Championship Series for the first time in 24 years last season.

Donovan’s arrival addresses multiple needs for Seattle. Not only does he provide a high-contact left-handed bat, but his ability to play virtually anywhere on the diamond gives the Mariners flexibility as they continue to integrate their young talent. In 2025, Donovan logged 100 games at second base, 18 in left field, and six at shortstop, while also seeing time at first, third, and right field in his four-year MLB career. That sort of versatility is music to the ears of a front office eager to keep developing prospects like Colt Emerson and Cole Young in the mix without overexposing them too soon.

Donovan’s contract situation is another plus for Seattle. He agreed to a $5.8 million deal for 2026, avoiding arbitration, and remains under team control for two more seasons. For a club looking to maximize its competitive window without mortgaging the future, that’s an appealing combination.

The Cardinals, meanwhile, continue their winter of transformation. With veterans Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray, and Willson Contreras all traded away over the offseason, St. Louis is clearly prioritizing youth and future flexibility. "We are pleased that, because of this deal, we will add five more promising young players to the talent pipeline that has always fueled this organization’s sustained success," Chaim Bloom said in a statement. "We believe we’ve added exciting athleticism and upside on both sides of the ball, with more to come in this summer’s draft."

Jurrangelo Cijntje, the 22-year-old switch-pitcher Seattle took in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft, is one of the most intriguing prospects in baseball. He posted a 4.58 ERA in 19 games (16 starts) at High-A Everett before a strong finish in Double-A Arkansas, where he logged a 2.67 ERA over seven starts. While Cijntje continues to pitch with both arms, the Mariners had indicated they would focus on developing him as a right-hander in 2026. The Cardinals, who announced him as a righty in their press release, now get to decide how to proceed with his unique development path.

Tai Peete, just 20, brings raw tools and athleticism to St. Louis’s outfield pipeline. The former No. 30 overall pick hit .217 with 19 home runs and 25 stolen bases in 125 games at High-A last season, though he struck out in over 30% of his plate appearances. His defense in center field has drawn praise, but he’s considered a long-term project who will need refinement as he climbs the minor league ladder.

Ben Williamson, the 25-year-old third baseman sent to the Rays, was Seattle’s second-round pick in 2023 and made his MLB debut last April. He hit .253/.294/.310 with one home run in 85 games in 2025, earning strong reviews for his defense at the hot corner. However, with Junior Caminero entrenched at third in Tampa Bay, Williamson will likely compete for a utility or backup role and could start the season at Triple-A Durham. His glove-first profile and ability to play multiple infield positions make him a useful depth piece for a Rays team always looking for defensive upgrades.

Colton Ledbetter, the outfielder headed to St. Louis from Tampa, was a second-round pick in 2023 and profiles as a speedy, contact-oriented player. He posted a 112 wRC+ in Double-A last season, swiping 37 bases and playing all three outfield spots. The Cardinals’ willingness to move Donovan for prospects like Ledbetter and Cijntje underscores their commitment to a patient, prospect-driven rebuild.

The trade also reflects broader trends around baseball this winter. With so many veteran infielders on the move—Eugenio Suárez to the Reds, Luis Arráez to the Giants, Jorge Polanco to the Mets—clubs like Seattle have had to get creative to fill their needs. The Mariners’ front office, led by Dipoto and Hollander, had been rumored to be in on Donovan for weeks. Dipoto hinted at a major addition during FanFest, saying, "I do think there is one more player that is coming along for the ride that is not in a Mariners uniform just yet." That prophecy came true in dramatic fashion.

For Seattle, the Donovan acquisition is about more than just adding a single player. It’s a statement of intent—a signal that the club is not content to rest on last year’s near-miss in the ALCS. With Donovan’s steady bat, defensive versatility, and affordable contract, the Mariners look poised to take another run at the American League’s elite. Fans in the Pacific Northwest will be watching closely as spring training approaches, eager to see how this new-look roster comes together on the field.

As the dust settles on this three-team blockbuster, there’s no question that the Mariners, Cardinals, and Rays have each charted a new course for 2026. Whether this bold move pushes Seattle over the top remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the race for October just got a lot more interesting.