As December winds down, Major League Baseball’s trade and free agency markets are heating up—but one of the league’s most anticipated potential deals remains in limbo. The St. Louis Cardinals and Seattle Mariners have reportedly engaged in “lengthy discussions” over a blockbuster trade involving All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan, a move that could send shockwaves across the league.
With free agency still offering stars like Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Framber Valdez, teams have options. Yet, trades—particularly involving high-impact players like Donovan—can drastically reshape rosters in a single transaction. For the Mariners, acquiring Donovan has long been a tantalizing possibility, given his ability to play both second and third base and his impressive left-handed bat.
According to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners’ president of baseball operations, and general manager Justin Hollander remain “highly motivated to make more moves to improve their roster.” Donovan, who has two years of club control remaining, is one of the most sought-after infielders on the market, attracting interest from multiple teams. Chaim Bloom, the Cardinals’ new president of baseball operations, has reportedly been methodical in evaluating offers, aware of Donovan’s value as a trade chip.
Despite the allure, no deal has yet materialized. Sources suggest that the Mariners are not looking to part with MLB roster pieces to acquire Donovan. Instead, their willingness lies in leveraging their deep farm system, potentially moving top prospects such as switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje and their 2024 first-round pick to land the Cardinals’ infielder. The complex negotiation highlights the balancing act MLB teams face: improving the big-league roster without mortgaging the future.
Seattle’s interest in Donovan is hardly a secret. Back on December 13, Katie Woo of The Athletic reported that the Mariners and San Francisco Giants were the “front-runners” for Donovan. Seattle’s high-end pitching depth makes them a compelling destination for a versatile infielder who could anchor the middle of the lineup while complementing a pitching-heavy roster. Donovan’s skill set—consistent hitting from the left side and flexibility across the infield—makes him a player capable of impacting both offense and defense immediately.
On the Cardinals’ side, Donovan’s departure would leave a significant gap in the infield, especially as St. Louis contemplates potential roster upgrades elsewhere. Nolan Arenado, JoJo Romero, and Lars Nootbaar have all been mentioned in trade speculation, suggesting the Cardinals are carefully weighing their options. Donovan, however, remains a centerpiece of current discussions, both as a potential asset and as a bargaining chip.
The negotiations reflect the increasingly strategic nature of MLB trades. Teams like Seattle are not simply chasing talent—they are calculating long-term value, weighing farm system depth against immediate major league impact. In Donovan’s case, the Mariners must balance the allure of adding a proven All-Star infielder against the cost of moving highly touted prospects, a decision that could ripple across their organization for years to come.
For Donovan, this period of uncertainty adds another chapter to his career. The 33-year-old has shown he can perform at the highest level, whether at second or third base, and his versatility makes him a prize asset in a league where positional flexibility is increasingly valuable. Multiple teams remain interested, and the potential for a late-December deal adds intrigue.
As the clock ticks toward the end of the month, all eyes remain on St. Louis and Seattle. Will the Cardinals finally pull the trigger on a trade, sending Donovan to the Mariners in a blockbuster package? Or will negotiations stall further, leaving Donovan in limbo while other free agents make headlines? One thing is clear: the outcome could shift the balance of power in MLB heading into the 2026 season, and the baseball world is watching closely.
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