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The Seattle Mariners traded for All-Star Brendan Donovan in a three-team deal, involving the Cardinals and Rays.
The Seattle Mariners finalized a three-team Monday trade that lands All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals, assembling one of the most star-studded lineups in baseball. ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported the framework, with Bob Nightengale breaking down the All-Star firepower Seattle now possesses at the top of its order.
The trade sends third baseman Ben Williamson to the Tampa Bay Rays while the Cardinals receive two Mariners prospects: right-hander Jurrangelo Cijntje, Seattle’s 2024 first-round pick, and infielder Tai Peete, a 2023 first-rounder, according to The Athletic’s Adam Jude.
The trade comes shortly after MLB reporter Katie Woo said Seattle was close to finalizing a trade for Donovan.
Seattle Mariners Trade For Ex-Cardinals’ All-Star Brendan Donovan in Deal Involving Rays
Donovan, a 2025 All-Star, brings elite contact skills and positional versatility to a Mariners team pushing for a championship. The 27-year-old can play second base, third base, and both corner outfield spots.
The price for Donovan centered on Cijntje, MLB.com’s 91st-ranked prospect heading into 2026. The 20-year-old switch-pitcher became a national story during the 2016 Little League World Series, where he threw with both arms. After two years at Mississippi State, Seattle selected him 15th overall in the 2024 Draft.
Cijntje reached Double-A in his first full pro season and struck out two batters in a scoreless Futures Game inning last summer. MLB.com projects him as a potential mid-rotation starter with a fastball that touches the upper-90s, a mid-to-upper-80s slider that flashes plus, and a firm changeup with fade.
The Mariners announced before Spring Training that Cijntje would focus exclusively on pitching right-handed in 2026 after experimenting with both arms during his debut season. Scouting reports give him a 55 overall grade, with his fastball (60) leading his three-pitch arsenal.
Peete, selected in the 2023 first round, joins Cijntje in the Cardinals organization as Seattle surrendered two recent top picks to acquire Donovan. Williamson, who heads to Tampa Bay as the third piece, provides the Rays with infield depth.
Donovan Joins Star-Studded Seattle Lineup
The Mariners will trot out a lineup featuring five All-Stars in their first six spots. Nightengale outlined the star power: Donovan leads off, followed by three-time All-Star Julio Rodríguez, 2025 All-Star catcher Cal Raleigh, 2024 All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor, and two-time All-Star Randy Arozarena.
That concentration of proven offensive talent addresses Seattle’s biggest weakness from recent seasons. The Mariners have built their roster around elite pitching and strong defense, but championship windows close quickly in baseball. Adding Donovan without sacrificing major league talent allows Seattle to compete immediately while keeping its pitching staff intact.
Donovan’s 2025 All-Star selection came during a season where he posted strong on-base numbers and maintained his reputation as one of baseball’s toughest outs. His ability to play multiple positions means Servais can optimize defensive alignments while keeping all five All-Stars in the lineup simultaneously.
The trade signals Seattle’s front office believes this roster can win now. With five All-Stars at the top of the order and one of baseball’s best rotations, Seattle just became a serious American League contender.
Justin Carlucci brings 13+ years of journalism experience to Heavy. A veteran of multiple industry-leading companies, he has hosted SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio shows and contributed to the New York Post, combining traditional sports and news reporting with expertise in sports betting and fantasy sports. More about Justin Carlucci
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