The Seattle Mariners are still actively attempting to re-sign Jorge Polanco, but with each passing day of his extended free-agency process, the likelihood of him choosing a different destination grows. Because of that uncertainty, Seattle must seriously evaluate alternative paths to solidify their infield for 2026. One player whose name keeps resurfacing—and is becoming nearly impossible to ignore—is St. Louis Cardinals utility standout Brendan Donovan.
Donovan, an All-Star and Gold Glove recipient, was first connected to the Mariners in early November. From the moment the speculation began, the fit appeared natural. Seattle’s lineup has long been in need of a contact-oriented hitter who brings plate discipline, consistency, and the ability to get on base. Donovan checks all those boxes and brings even more with his impressive defensive versatility.
While he can handle second base with ease, the Cardinals have also used him at first, third, and shortstop, as well as in the outfield. His ability to move around the diamond would give the Mariners both stability and flexibility, especially as they try to build a deeper, more adaptable roster.
According to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, the Mariners have renewed their interest in Donovan after monitoring him closely last offseason. With Polanco’s situation unresolved, Seattle’s front office appears to be taking a proactive stance, ensuring they’re not left without a viable solution if their primary target signs elsewhere.
Meanwhile, trade hypotheticals have begun circulating again. MLB.com even released a proposal it openly acknowledged as “ridiculous,” sparking debate among fans and writers about what a realistic Donovan trade package might look like.
Now that Donovan has reemerged as a legitimate option, it’s our turn to explore what types of deals could satisfy both organizations. The Cardinals, aiming to retool their roster and potentially acquire more pitching depth, could be open to discussions if the right offer comes along. The Mariners, on the other hand, are searching for a reliable, multipositional bat who can elevate their offense while providing elite defensive value.
With all that in mind, it makes sense to break down three potential trade scenarios that could genuinely work for both Seattle and St. Louis—balancing needs, value, and long-term planning for both franchises.
3 Mariners trade packages for Brendan Donovan that actually make sense
The Technically Fair One
A proposed trade between the Seattle Mariners and St. Louis Cardinals appears relatively balanced according to Baseball Trade Values. The model views Brendan Donovan’s projected surplus value at about $32.1 million, compared with a combined $33.1 million in surplus value for Seattle prospects Cole Young and Tai Peete. On paper, it lines up as a fair exchange of comparable long-term value.
For the Cardinals, Young would slide in as an immediate, cost-controlled replacement for Donovan at second base. The 22-year-old infielder is locked in with team control through the 2031 season, offering plenty of financial flexibility and developmental runway.
He also flashed real offensive ability at times during his stint in the majors this year. Over a notable 50-game stretch, Young batted .281, showing patience with 20 walks against 28 strikeouts and giving glimpses of the hitter many scouts projected him to become.
However, consistency proved elusive. Across his full 77-game sample, Young managed just a 78 OPS+, indicating below-average offensive production. Defensively, he frequently looked out of sync, raising questions about his readiness for an everyday role. These concerns add risk to his profile.
Peete, meanwhile, has seen his once-promising value decline significantly since Seattle selected him with the 30th overall pick in the 2023 draft. With his stock trending downward, the overall package may not be compelling enough for St. Louis. Given Donovan’s established performance and versatility, the Cardinals could reasonably seek a return featuring either less developmental uncertainty or a higher ceiling.
The Upside Play
In this scenario, the Seattle Mariners acquire second baseman Brendan Donovan, while the St. Louis Cardinals receive outfielder Jonny Farmelo and catcher Luke Stevenson. This proposal represents more of an upside gamble for St. Louis, but it still grades out as an even exchange. Both Farmelo and Stevenson offer intriguing long-term potential and could add high-impact talent to the Cardinals’ farm system.
Farmelo, though hindered by injuries early in his professional career, has already showcased impressive athleticism. His elite speed and ability to post on-base percentages around .400 at both Single-A in 2024 and during his Arizona Fall League stint highlight his offensive promise. Many evaluators also believe he could grow into more power as he matures physically and gains more reps.
Stevenson brings a different kind of upside. Drafted 35th overall this past July, he was initially viewed as a bat-first catcher with significant raw power.
However, in his first look at Single-A competition, he surprised by producing a .460 on-base percentage while also flashing strong defensive skills. Baseball America even identified him as Seattle’s projected breakout prospect for 2026.
Despite these appealing traits, the Cardinals may hesitate. Even if Farmelo and Stevenson eventually develop into top-100 prospects, Farmelo’s injury track record introduces some risk. On top of that, St. Louis already has substantial depth at catcher, with three backstops ranked in their top six prospects by MLB Pipeline. Given that organizational strength, adding another catcher—no matter how talented—might not be a true necessity for them.
The One They Can’t Refuse
The Seattle Mariners would acquire versatile infielder Brendan Donovan, while the St. Louis Cardinals would receive a significant return: second baseman Michael Arroyo and right-hander Ryan Sloan, both ranked among MLB Pipeline’s top-100 prospects. Arroyo currently sits at No. 63 on the list, with Sloan even higher at No. 44.
Arroyo’s long-term defensive position remains somewhat unsettled, but his offensive impact is undeniable. Throughout his minor-league career, he has produced an impressive .408 on-base percentage, demonstrating advanced plate discipline and consistency at the plate.
Over the past two seasons, he has also shown notable power by hitting 40 home runs, making him the type of hitter who could ultimately resemble a more powerful version of Howie Kendrick—dependable, adaptable, and dangerous with the bat.
Sloan, meanwhile, may not be Seattle’s top overall pitching prospect, but he might be the most intriguing. At just 19 years old, he flashed both electric stuff and polished command during the season.
Between Single-A and High-A, he struck out 90 batters while issuing only 15 walks across 82 innings, strong indicators of both poise and long-term upside. His combination of age, control, and strikeout ability gives him a high developmental ceiling.
Although the Mariners value both Arroyo and Sloan, they could justify parting with them under the right circumstances. Arroyo’s uncertain defensive projection adds complications to fitting him into the organization’s future blueprint.
Sloan, despite his promise, is still behind other pitching prospects—such as Kade Anderson and Jurrangelo Cijntje—in the race toward the major leagues. Given Seattle’s current competitive timeline and the proven versatility and production Donovan would bring, the club could consider this deal a difficult but reasonable price to pay.
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