The Seattle Mariners find themselves at a crossroads this offseason, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With Jorge Polanco off the table, the team is scrambling to fill a critical gap in their infield—a proven bat that can make an immediate impact. But here’s where it gets tricky: the free agent market is slim pickings for impact infielders, leaving the Mariners with one clear path forward: the trade market. And this is where the real drama begins.
Two of the Mariners’ 2025 pitchers have reportedly moved on to new teams, further complicating their roster dynamics. Meanwhile, big-name free agents like Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette are likely out of Seattle’s financial reach, leaving the team to explore trade options. Enter Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks—two names that have dominated trade rumors. The Mariners are reportedly one of the frontrunners to land Donovan, a 2025 All-Star with two years of club control remaining.
But what would it cost to bring Donovan to Seattle? That’s the million-dollar question. Yahoo Sports’ Jordan Shusterman weighed in, suggesting that while Donovan may not have the offensive ceiling of Polanco, his defensive prowess, versatility, and roster fit make him a compelling target. “We’ll see if they’re able to get that across the finish line,” Shusterman noted during a conversation with Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy.
Former Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn recently threw a curveball into the discussion, suggesting that a deal for Donovan could involve a player like Mariners’ starting pitcher Bryce Miller. But here’s where it gets controversial: Shusterman isn’t convinced that trading a current starter like Miller makes sense for either team. “I don’t really see a scenario where they trade a current starter,” he said, adding that such a move might not definitively improve the Mariners’ 2026 outlook.
The Athletic’s Katie Woo reported that the Cardinals have inquired about Mariners prospects like switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje and outfielder Lazaro Montes in a potential Donovan deal. Shusterman believes a package centered around a high-upside young arm like Cijntje aligns better with St. Louis’ long-term vision. “I think they need as much upside as possible,” he explained. “If that’s Jurrangelo and pieces, that might be more valuable to them than Bryce Miller.”
And this is the part most people miss: The Cardinals aren’t just looking for major-league-ready talent; they’re thinking bigger picture, prioritizing high-ceiling prospects over immediate roster upgrades. This raises a thought-provoking question: Are the Mariners willing to part with their top prospects to secure Donovan, or will they hold onto their young talent and explore other options?
As the offseason unfolds, the Mariners’ front office faces a delicate balancing act between addressing immediate needs and preserving their farm system for the future. Will Donovan be wearing a Mariners uniform in 2025, or will the cost prove too steep? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: this trade saga is far from over, and the baseball world will be watching closely.
What do you think? Is trading for Donovan worth the potential cost, or should the Mariners explore other avenues? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this high-stakes offseason move.
