The St. Louis Cardinals’ early-stage rebuild under new president Chaim Bloom has put one of their most valuable pieces, Brendan Donovan, right in the middle of a fast-heating trade market.
The Seattle Mariners lead a growing list of suitors. Donovan, a versatile infielder and outfielder, has become one of the most coveted targets of the offseason because of his steady offense, defensive flexibility, and team-friendly contract.
Why Brendan Donovan Is Suddenly a Prime Trade Chip
Even on a roster in transition, Donovan stands out as the type of player most rebuilding teams would keep, not shop around.
But his unique profile makes him exactly the kind of asset that can speed up a reset if the return is strong enough. The Cardinals, now shifting direction under Bloom, are listening to offers but only at a high price. They know Donovan is their most attractive trade piece in both performance and cost control.
Offensive Production That Plays Anywhere
Donovan’s 2025 season just reinforced what he’s been since debuting in 2022: a high-contact, high-OBP bat that lengthens any lineup.
In 2025, he put up a strong .287/.353/.422 slash line, with a wRC+ about 19% above league average. Over 515 plate appearances, he chipped in 10 home runs and 32 doubles.
But the real value is in his overall profile. Across 2006 career plate appearances, Donovan owns a .282/.361/.411 line, with a steady 9.1% walk rate and a low 13.5% strikeout rate. That blend of patience and contact isn’t easy to find these days.
Defensive Versatility: A Manager’s Dream
Donovan’s defensive résumé is a huge reason teams are buzzing. He gives managers the freedom to cover multiple positions without losing anything at the plate.
Since breaking into the majors, he’s moved around the diamond with ease. That gives his team options every day, all season long.
Multi-Position Value Across the Diamond
He’s logged most of his innings at second base and left field, but his defensive work goes further. He’s also played:
This kind of versatility lets a contender plug him in wherever injuries or slumps pop up. Managers get the freedom to adjust matchups and rest players as needed. In an era where benches are smaller and bullpens eat up roster spots, Donovan’s adaptability is a huge plus.
Why the Seattle Mariners Are Pushing Hard
The Seattle Mariners have been after Donovan for over a year. They first tried last offseason and now they’re back as trade talks heat up.
Seattle’s interest comes from both need and philosophy. Their roster has promise but also some real uncertainty at several spots, making Donovan a near-perfect fit for a team hoping to move from “contender on paper” to a true winner.
Lineup Fit, Strikeout Problem, and Positional Needs
Offensively, Donovan fits Seattle’s push to cut down on strikeouts. The Mariners have had one of MLB’s highest strikeout rates over the past five years, which keeps tripping up their strong pitching staff.
Donovan’s contact-heavy approach directly addresses that weakness. On the positional side, Seattle has questions at:
Top prospects like Cole Young and Colt Emerson bring long-term upside, but they’re not proven at the big-league level yet. Donovan can steady the lineup now, shifting positions as those young guys arrive and settle in.
Contract Value: Production at a Discount
Donovan’s contract is a big part of his trade value. In a market where everyday players keep getting pricier, he’s under control for a bargain.
He’s projected to earn about $5.4 million in 2026, with an estimated total of around $15 million through 2027, his last year of team control. For a player who brings above-average offense and multi-position skills, that’s a lot of value for any team willing to make a deal.
The Growing Trade Market Around Donovan
The Cardinals aren’t shopping Donovan out of desperation. They’re listening because teams keep calling—often. Several clubs see him as a piece that could tilt a playoff race or help solidify a young core.
Beyond the Mariners, other teams have shown real interest in Donovan as a lineup stabilizer and clubhouse asset.
Teams in the Mix – and Why a Deal Feels Likely
Current known suitors include the Mariners, Pirates, Astros, Guardians, and Royals. There’ve also been prior connections to the Dodgers, Yankees, and Blue Jays.
That’s a pretty wide mix—contenders, fringe hopefuls, and even some rebuilding clubs. They’re all circling the same player type: a cost-controlled, high-floor contributor.
St. Louis keeps acting like they’re not eager to move him. Still, an active market and the fact that they’re just starting a rebuild? It usually points one way.
If a team actually steps up with the “exceptional” package Bloom wants, the odds keep climbing that Brendan Donovan’s about to start the next chapter of his career somewhere else. Seattle, honestly, just seems like a natural fit for his skill set—maybe more than anywhere else on the board.
Here is the source article for this story: Mariners Among Teams Interested In Brendan Donovan
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