The Seattle Mariners’ relatively quiet offseason has left much of their fan base frustrated, particularly after the team parted ways with key offensive contributors Jorge Polanco and Eugenio Suárez without securing clear replacements. As the lineup currently stands, the infield lacks both production and stability, creating an obvious area of need heading into the new season.
According to FanSided’s Christopher Kline, the Mariners may have a clear and realistic solution within reach. Kline predicts Seattle will look to the trade market and target St. Louis Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan, an All-Star and Gold Glove winner who could immediately address one of the team’s biggest holes.
With the Cardinals accelerating their rebuilding efforts, Donovan is widely viewed as a strong trade candidate. Seattle, meanwhile, is in search of an affordable, controllable infield bat to offset the losses of Polanco and Suárez. Donovan fits that profile almost perfectly. He offers defensive versatility across the infield, plays fundamentally sound baseball, and brings a contact-first approach at the plate. While power isn’t his calling card, Kline notes that the Mariners can afford that trade-off if middle-of-the-order bats like Cal Raleigh and Josh Naylor are able to replicate their recent success.
“Donovan checks just about every box Seattle needs,” Kline wrote. “He’s a reliable defender, a true utility option, and an All-Star caliber player who fits comfortably within the Mariners’ payroll structure.”
During the 2025 season, Donovan posted a strong offensive line of .287/.353/.422 with a .775 OPS, adding 32 doubles, 10 home runs, and 64 RBIs across 118 games. Beyond the bat, he would represent a clear defensive upgrade in the infield particularly when compared to Polanco.
From a financial standpoint, the move also makes sense. Donovan recently avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $5.8 million deal and remains under team control for another season, making him a cost-effective target in a competitive trade market.
If Seattle hopes to avoid falling behind in the American League, it may need to act quickly. Other teams could soon come calling with stronger offers, making timing critical if the Mariners truly want Donovan anchoring their infield in 2026.
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