In a major development poised to reshape their batting order, the Seattle Mariners have secured the services of All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan. This acquisition, part of an intricate three-team transaction that included the St. Louis Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Rays, is designed to bolster Seattle's lineup with a player known for his exceptional versatility and consistent performance.
Donovan, at 29 years old, showcased his talent last season by earning an All-Star selection as a second baseman. His four-year tenure with the Cardinals highlighted his adaptability, as he played every position on the field except pitcher, catcher, and center field. During this period, he maintained an impressive batting line of .282/.361/.411. His defensive prowess was recognized early in his career, earning him a Gold Glove award for utility work in his rookie year back in 2022.
The deal to bring Donovan to Seattle involved a substantial exchange of talent. The Mariners reportedly sent two promising draft picks to the Cardinals: Jurrangelo Cijntje, a switch-pitcher from the 2024 first round, and Tai Peete, a 2023 first-round selection. Additionally, third baseman Ben Williamson, in his second year, was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. Donovan's current contract includes a $5.8 million salary for 2026, with another year remaining before he becomes eligible for free agency.
In a further layer of the trade, the Tampa Bay Rays contributed by sending Double-A outfielder Colton Ledbetter and a compensatory B-round draft pick to the Cardinals. This complex exchange underscores the strategic maneuvering by all three teams to address their respective roster needs and future prospects.
With Donovan joining their ranks, the Mariners now boast a formidable lineup featuring four All-Stars. He will complement existing stars such as catcher Cal Raleigh, center fielder Julio Rodriguez, and left fielder Randy Arozarena. Donovan’s arrival provides crucial flexibility, as he can step into the third base role, vacated by Eugenio Suarez who moved to the Cincinnati Reds, or shift to second base if 22-year-old Cole Young is deemed not yet ready for a regular starting position.
The Cardinals, in turn, gained a young starting pitcher with long-term potential in Jurrangelo Cijntje. The 22-year-old Dutch native made 26 appearances, including 23 starts, across High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas last season. He posted a 5-7 record with a 3.99 ERA, recording 120 strikeouts and 51 walks. Notably, Cijntje demonstrated a unique ability to pitch from both sides, facing 397 of the 459 batters as a right-hander, where he excelled with 111 strikeouts against 32 walks, compared to nine strikeouts and 19 walks as a lefty.
Tai Peete, the 20-year-old outfield prospect acquired by the Cardinals, spent his last season at High-A Everett, hitting .217. Despite the lower average, Peete showcased his power and speed with 19 home runs and 25 stolen bases while playing center field. Ben Williamson, the Mariners' 2023 second-round pick, made his major league debut last year, slashing .253/.294/.310 over 85 games, with one homer, 21 RBIs, and five steals. He did not participate in the Mariners' postseason run to Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Colton Ledbetter, the 24-year-old outfielder from the Rays, spent 2025 with Double-A Montgomery, where he hit .265 and tallied 37 stolen bases along with seven home runs. Ledbetter and Cijntje were teammates at Mississippi State in 2023.
This substantial trade significantly strengthens the Seattle Mariners' roster with a versatile All-Star infielder, while providing the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays with promising young talent and draft capital, reflecting a complex strategic realignment across all three organizations.