Mon, Feb 2, 2026 at 11:00pm

BRENDAN DONOVAN TO SEATTLE IN THREE-TEAM DEAL

In a three-team trade, the Seattle Mariners acquired infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals; St. Louis acquired pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje, outfielder Tai Peete and a Competitive Balance Round B draft pick in 2026 from the Mariners, and outfielder Colton Ledbetter and a Competitive Balance Round B draft pick in 2026 from the Tampa Bay Rays; and Tampa Bay acquired infielder Ben Williamson from the Mariners.

What does it give the Seattle Mariners
In Donovan, the Mariners add a valuable hitter to their lineup. He can do a bit of everything, including playing multiple positions, hitting gaps, getting on base and rarely striking out. The 29-year-old is likely to take over at third base following the departure of Eugenio Suarez. To get Donovan, Seattle paid a high price in terms of assets, but his unique skillset will help them contend again in 2026.

What does it give the St. Louis Cardinals
Donovan is just the latest player to be shipped out by the retooling Cardinals. In return, they get a good haul of futures that includes two draft picks and two of Seattle's better prospects. The headliner is Cijntje, the noted switch-pitcher prospect, who went 14th overall in the 2024 draft. He is coming off a successful season and could be on track to debut later in 2026. St. Louis also restocked their outfield prospects with Peete and from the Rays, Ledbetter.

What does it give the
For their part in this trade, the Rays add to their infield depth. Williamson is a glove-first third baseman who also played some shortstop in the minors. He does not have much pop but can make contact, get on base and steal bases. At the very least, his defense should make him a useful bench player. Williamson made his MLB debut in 2025.

Fantasy impact
Donovan will not be helped by this trade, as he will now play home games in a pitcher's park in Seattle. But he still has value as a contributor in many fantasy baseball categories. The other players moved here are not impact players just yet, but keep an eye on the prospects. Cijntje could arrive this season. Peete also has intriguing power and speed, but he is further away from the big leagues.