Brendan Donovan, the versatile MLB All-Star infielder/outfielder, was involved in a blockbuster three-team trade in early 2026, making waves across Major League Baseball. Donovan’s combination of consistent hitting, defensive flexibility, and team impact make him one of the most intriguing trade stories of the 2025-26 offseason.
Who Is Brendan Donovan?
Brendan Donovan is a professional baseball player known for his ability to impact a game in multiple ways. Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of the University of South Alabama, Donovan made his MLB debut on April 25, 2022, and quickly became a fan favorite. Standing 5’11″ and batting left-handed, Donovan has excelled not just at one position, but across the field.
Position & Versatility
Donovan has been valued highly for his multi-position capability. Over his four-year MLB career with the Cardinals, he’s seen action at:
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Second Base
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Third Base
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Left Field
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Right Field
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Shortstop
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First Base
This kind of defensive versatility gives teams maximum flexibility when setting their lineup and defensive alignments, making Donovan a true utility asset in modern baseball.
Career & 2025 MLB Stats
Donovan’s performance at the plate and in the field has steadily improved, earning him recognition as one of baseball’s more consistent contact hitters:
2025 Season Highlights
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Batting Average: .287
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Home Runs: 10
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RBI: 50
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OPS: .775
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All-Star Selection: 2025 (first career All-Star)
Career Totals (through 2025)
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Batting Average: .282
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Home Runs: 40
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RBIs: 202
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OBP: .361
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SLG: .411
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Gold Glove Award: 2022 (as utility)
Donovan’s combination of contact ability, low strikeout rate, and strong on-base skills make him an ideal top-to-middle lineup contributor for competitive clubs.
Trade Details (Feb 2026)
In a major offseason deal finalized in February 2026, Brendan Donovan was traded to the Seattle Mariners as part of a three-team trade involving the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays.
Trade Breakdown
Seattle Mariners received:
Brendan Donovan (INF/OF)
St. Louis Cardinals received:
RHP Jurrangelo Cijntje (SEA No. 7 prospect)
OF Tai Peete (SEA No. 11 prospect)
OF Colton Ledbetter (from Tampa Bay)
Competitive Balance Round B draft picks No. 68 (SEA) & No. 72 (TB)
Tampa Bay Rays received:
3B Ben Williamson
Seattle sends a strong package of prospects and draft capital to St. Louis while Tampa Bay strengthens its infield depth.
Why This Trade Matters
This trade is significant for several reasons:
1. Mariners Adding a Complete Player
Donovan gives Seattle a consistent bat and positional flexibility at a competitive cost, filling multiple roster needs as they pursue postseason success.
2. Cardinals Rebuilding With Young Talent
The Cardinals receive valuable young prospects and draft picks to reinvest in their farm system—a strong move for a franchise in transition.
3. Rays Gain Infield Depth
Ben Williamson provides Tampa Bay with a promising third baseman to contribute immediately or in future seasons.
Trade Grade: A++
From an analytics and roster perspective, this trade rates high:
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Mariners: A++ – Acquire a multi-positional All-Star in his prime with affordable control, enhancing lineup depth.
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Cardinals: A – Excellent haul of prospects and picks that aligns with rebuilding goals.
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Rays: B+ – Adds depth but with moderate long-term impact compared to the other pieces moved.
This trade benefits all three clubs by aligning player value with team timelines.
Conclusion
Brendan Donovan’s move to the Seattle Mariners marks one of the biggest storylines of the 2026 MLB season. With strong hitting numbers, defensive versatility, and All-Star credibility, Donovan represents a strategic asset that could influence playoff races and roster building philosophies across baseball.
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