Mariners, Giants Top Contenders for Donovan Trade

The Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants have emerged as the leading contenders to acquire St. Louis Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan in a potential trade, according to reports from sources familiar with the discussions. The Cardinals, in the midst of a rebuild, are seeking multiple top prospects in return for the 28-year-old versatile player, who remains under team control through 2027.

Donovan, a left-handed hitter and 2025 All-Star, batted .287 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs in 118 games last season. A Gold Glove winner in 2022, he has demonstrated exceptional flexibility across the diamond, logging 225 games at second base, 163 in left field, and appearances at other positions including right field. His contact-hitting prowess has produced an 11.1 career bWAR over four seasons with St. Louis.

In negotiations with the Mariners, the Cardinals have discussed Seattle's top pitching prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje and outfielder Lazaro Montes. Cijntje, a unique switch-pitcher capable of throwing from both sides, posted a 3.99 ERA in his 2025 professional debut across High-A and Double-A, improving to 2.67 ERA in seven Double-A starts with a 25.5 percent strikeout rate. Montes,...