The Mariners and Giants have emerged as front-runners in the sweepstakes for super-utility man Brendan Donovan, according to a report from Katie Woo of The Athletic. Woo added that both clubs are also engaged with the Diamondbacks on Ketel Marte.
Both Seattle and San Francisco have previously been reported to have interest in Donovan’s services, which Woo notes the Cardinals are seeking multiple top prospects in exchange for. With that being said, they were often mentioned as just two of many teams interested in the versatile infielder; Donovan’s market has been said to encompass more than half the league, with the Pirates, Royals, Guardians, and Astros standing among the other teams that have been connected to him this winter.
That makes the Mariners’ and Giants’ “front-runner” status a notable shift in the status quo, and Woo goes as far as to mention specific prospect names being discussed with both clubs. In talks with Seattle, Woo reports that the Cardinals have discussed top pitching prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje and outfielder Lazaro Montes. The pair are Seattle’s #7 and #3 prospects, respectively, according to MLB Pipeline. In talks with the Giants, Woo writes that the names of infielder Gavin Kilen and southpaw Carson Whisenhunt have come up. Kilen is San Francisco’s #2 prospect per Pipeline, while Whisenhunt ranks #7.
Cijntje has garnered some buzz around the baseball industry due to his status as a switch pitcher who throws from both the right and left sides. He’s a more well-regarded pitcher from the right-hand side, touching the upper 90s with his right arm but being relegated to the low 90s with his left. In his pro debut in 2025, Cijntje pitched to a 3.99 ERA overall across the High-A and Double-A levels but actually got better after his promotion. In seven starts at Double-A, Cijntje turned in a 2.67 ERA across 33 2/3 innings of work with a 25.5% strikeout rate and an 11.0% walk rate.
Montes entered the 2025 season as a consensus top-100 prospect in the sport but scuffled a bit after being promoted to the Double-A level. He hit a solid but unspectacular .213/.319/.433 in 64 games at the level with a 30.5% strikeout rate. That’s hardly exciting production, but some of those struggles can be forgiven considering he was one of just four hitters under the age of 21 to reach 200 plate appearances in the Texas League last year, joined by Sebastian Walcott, Walker Jenkins, and teammate Michael Arroyo.
Kilen was San Francisco’s first-round pick in the 2025 draft. As a result, he has just ten professional games under his belt where he hit a lackluster .205/.279/.282. With that said, the University of Tennessee product hit an incredible .357/.441/.671 in his final collegiate season and was roundly viewed as a plus contact hitter despite questions about his power potential and ability to handle shortstop at the big league level.
As for Whisenhunt, the 25-year-old already made his big league debut earlier this year with a 5.01 ERA across five starts. While it was hardly an exciting pro debut, Whisenhunt did manage to post a 4.41 ERA in 21 starts in Triple-A’s Pacific Coast League despite the extremely unfriendly environment for pitchers at that level. He profiles as a possible mid-rotation arm with a profile carried by a plus-plus changeup.
Of course, it’s possible that these are only a handful of prospects St. Louis is discussing with the two suitors. It should also be noted that Donovan is far from the only avenue either club is pursuing for their vacancy at second base. The Mariners had been in rather public pursuit of a reunion with Jorge Polanco until he signed with the Mets yesterday, but they’ve still be connected to Marte in addition to Donovan. Woo suggests that Polanco’s departure could leave the Mariners more motivated to make a deal in the coming days, and perhaps that could indicate that Seattle is the more aggressive suitor of the two.
Woo describes the Giants, by contrast, as “exploring all options” as they look to upgrade over Casey Schmitt and Tyler Fitzgerald at second base. In addition to Marte, Brandon Lowe is also known to be available on the trade market while teams have also inquired after Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner. The infield market in free agency is tilted more towards the left side, but Alex Bregman has expressed a willingness to play second base in the past, shortstop Ha-Seong Kim has experience at the position, and Bo Bichette has long been viewed as a potential candidate to move off shortstop at some point. San Francisco hasn’t been directly tied to any of those players, of course, but all stand out as at least plausible acquisitions to be made by a team searching for second base help.
I just can’t imagine that it would take Both Cjintje and Montes to get Donovan.. Everything I have read points towards perhaps one Top 100 prospect, If that. Are the Cardinals throwing in Seattle native RH RP Riley O’Brien? I could see the Cardinals wanting pitching back for Donovan. Seems like there is a lot of interest in Donovan, and rightly so and perhaps the price is elevated.
The Mariners could pivot to Brandon Lowe as well. They could try and get Lowe and RH RP Garrett Cleavinger who is really good. Perhaps that is more affordable prospect wise as you take on Lowe’s $11.6 million contract?
If that is the price tag I’m hoping we pass on Donovan here. Marte is a different story.
I’m willing to give up the brinks truck for Marte, but for Donovan? Don’t get me wrong he is a good player but it would not be good to lose a huge chunk of the farm for a non all star caliber player
I have suspicions of Donovan’s bat not playing well in Seattle too
Donovan is an All-Star and former gold glove winner who offers high OBP and defensive versatility with quality at multiple positions. I think you’re underselling his value.
Donavan is all those things but also a platoon that will get you 3 WAR a season. I have reservations about multiple top prospects as well.
Just to be clear I like Donovan a lot and see a good fit on this team, but not for multiple top 100 prospects. My NL team has always been the Cardinals so I’ve watched him plenty and appreciate what he brings. Good player, but a late bloomer and maybe already seen his peak.
3 WAR is a good season but it isn’t enough for a blockbuster return, for Donovan I would give up Cole young and either a lower level late rounder and/or a major league ready guy like Ryan bliss on top
I wonder if Logan Evans still has prospect value since he had some good ups but also bad downs last season
seems to me he keeps getting better. A very hard worker and helps the team in ways WAR doesnt measure. would have had a bigger year last year but they played him through turf toe which led to other injuries . really stupid usage.
He’s a gap hitter, which is perfect for Seattle. I’m not building him up but he’s on paper perfect. I still say no and give up more. None I’ll be happy about but this is where you might give up a star or two for timeline alignment.
How does he keeping getting better when his numbers are actually declining.
As a Phils fan, I don’t have a dog in this fight. I understand that Donovan is a fit on a lot of teams including my Phils and I would love to have him (clearly they found the price to be too high to stay in the bidding). But at what cost?
He is a very good ute and a bit more than a platoon bat in that role. Solid hitter, above average contact that is very useful and a guy that is okay to solid defensively at a few positions. He is hardly peak years Ben Zobrist however.
Do I give up a top prospect for him? Nope. Not worth it as their value is to be used for a greater return if they are traded. The next tier down? Sure…take a couple of prospects from there. Donovan is a good addition, but hardly a star player and utes of his ilk generally do not age that well.
Agreed. That’s sort of along the lines of what I was thinking. I think Cole Young + should be in the ballpark. I doubt Logan Evans has much value, maybe as a 3rd piece.
I’d probably do Jurrangelo Cijntje + Cole Young or (preferably) Bliss for Donovan.
Donovan doesn’t make much money so he’s definitely worth it. He’s as hard nosed player as you could have and from all I’ve heard he’s great in the club house. Personally I want the Cardinals to extend him but I understand them possibly trading him for the right prospects.
Dipito isn’t stupid enough to trade both prospects. Lazaro is 2027 middle of order bat. Kills RISP is still working on reigning in the Ks but has a bright future. I don’t understand giving up on Cole young so quickly at 2nd. We need a 3b as our first priority. I think donovan has peaked and we are paying retail.
I don’t see the M’s voluntarily taking on extra money.
Brendan Donovan makes a lot of sense for the Mariners. Frankly, he’s an upgrade over Polanco. I know Jorge had a great year offensively, but it was literally a career year for him, which means next year he’s pretty likely to fall back closer to his more standard output. Factor in his non-existent defensive value and there’s no comparison.
Donovan can provide satisfactory defense at 2nd and the outfield corners while providing 15 to 20% better than league average offense.
The Mariners have one of, if not the best farm systems in baseball. As close as they are to a championship, they shouldn’t be prospect hugging. Not suggesting they empty the cupboards, but even if it takes a high end piece or two, they’ve got a surplus and shouldn’t be afraid to use it to get a guy that can help them put a banner up in those rafters at T-Mobile.
The Mariners have to take on/spend money to get better whether it is Donovan’s $5.6 million or Lowes $11.6 million or spending money to get a RH RP or adding two bats,as I would like to see them also grab Miguel Andujar (Can DH, 3b, LF) , who should not cost much. You can speculate that the Mariners still have $22 to $27 million to spend for 2026 based on owners John Stanton’s statement that the payroll where stay where it ended in 2025 and then you have Haniger at over $15.8 million, Garver at $12 million, Dylan Moore’s $4 million, amongst others coming off the books.
If they could add both Donovan AND Marte (not holding my breath) Mariners would have an All-Star at every position but right field.
Shortstop J.P. Crawford has been deserving but has never been selected for an All Star Game.
It’s also not a given that it’s true.
That’s not what he said. He said that 2025’s ending payroll is 2026’s “Starting point.”
That’s what he says every year
Donovan is a good RF and LF too!!!
I would prefer they trade someone else besides Montes; if everything clicks he will be the Mariners version of Yordan Alvarez.
I agree. He could be special and perhaps have the Mariners DH spot solidified for years.
Send Farmelo instead perhaps.
Might take Michael Arroyo
The problem with Lowe is defensively hes basically a 2B/LF which is the profile of a dozen guys we have. Donovan has the ability to move around a ton like Dylan Moore did, while also hitting. That means if Canzone, Williamson or Young struggle, he can replace them, or if they are all doing well he can be a super-utility guy. Feels like the perfect fit for Seattle.
Cleav is a lefty.
Fine. Give up Kade Anderson and Seattle only gives up one Top-100 prospect.
“Click”.
When half the league wants him the Cardinals are leveraging the teams against each other. At the end of the day only about 30 people in the league have an OPS+ of 120 or better and Donovan is the only one who plays 5 positions with average-to-plus defense.
Mix that in with 2 years of control under $6M per year in AAV and you have someone who’s rare skill set is worth two top 100 prospects. The Cardinals don’t have to let them go so someone is going to have to give up too much to get him
@ghost — all true except Donnie’s arb $ is projected to go up to approx $10m in 2027. Still a great value, but noteworthy, I think.
People also frequently neglect to mention that Donnie is a very good leadoff option, too.
That’s comical considering he’s only barely hit an ops+ of 120 once. He has an ops under 800 for his whole career, he’s an avg player being made out to be some stud player.
At the end of the day, I think the cardinals extend him. Would take Donovan over Marte and so would half the league. The cardinals fan base is not done with teaching Dewitt 3 a lesson. Could get ugly if they don’t field a competitive team. They are teeing off from the woman’s tee in the nl central.
@yt – the fanbase is coming around on the team not being competitive. Bloom is clearly blowing everything up and there’s really not a huge outcry in town. Half measures and huge missteps with player development have got us to this point. This is happening and we’re moving forward.
Half the league would be dumb as you then.
The Cards are not extending Donovan. That couldn’t be clearer.
Marte has a 7 yr contract thru his age 39 season. Their variance in predicted war by steamer 4.5 to 3 is nominal and doesn’t factor intangibles. Donovan all day.
I’m not renewing my ticket package in 26. Are you?
Who cares about predicted war. Facts is Marte is and will continue to be much better than Donovan.
The Cardinals are absolutely not extending a 29 year old Donovan. They’re tearing it down as they should. They’re not going to field a competitive team this year nor are they really trying to.
Marte has peaked and locked in for 7 more years of decline. If Donovan hit in Arizona instead of Busch, the numbers would be similar. Can’t imagine Donovan being traded for prospects with no taste of the big leagues. Miller or Woo or resign him.
There is no way Kilean + Wisenhunt is equal to Cijntje + Montes. The two best prospects are from the Mariners.
Cmon Giants. Get it done.
What about Eldridge and Whisenhunt for Marte?
Snakes need more pitching.
perfect, take swap Eldridge w/Martinez plus Whitman and not mention Bryce again
Boy, that’s tough, both in same division. Eldridge reaches stardom and becomes a Giant killer. I just don’t see them dealing to each other.
I would think Eldridge has to be included to even start the conversation. Then varying levels of near MLB pitching. I think Eldridge and one good near MLB starting prospect is the start, then add depending on what the Snakes want. At least getting Marte is about as good a player as you could on a decent contract.
I don’t disagree I just think the likelihood of a trade with these two clubs is unlikely.
Absolutely. Think about Giants fans whinging for the next 6 years every time Eldridge hits a bomb when playing against them!
Yeah that wouldn’t sit well with me! Ha
Stop doing drugs.
But maybe not including Whisenhunt. Birdsong perhaps.
I would trade Birdsong and others not named Eldridge or Whisenhunt for Donovan.
Don’t trade whisenhunt …matos yes whizzy no
Hey GF81, whiz can hopefully be resurrected with the new pitching coaches working with him. I don’t want Casey traded either, he has multiple gold glove potential if he wasn’t shuffled around so much. Of course his natural position is 3B and he is now blocked. His bat looked much better last year when he got a chance, he’s learned to lay off that low and away slop.
Aah, while I don’t want Whiz going in such a trade (but YOU already knew that), I’d be okay with Birdsong heading out.
None of them for Donovan…
Release – What makes you think that? Them winning the division this year, or them coming within one win of the World Series?
I’ve been an Ms fan for 35 years and will always have the biggest “what ifs”. What if manager Wilson put in brash instead of bazardo? Made no sense to not put ur best relief pitchers in that situation with springer at plate. I wouldn’t have hesitated to go to brash or munoz at that very moment. But the Ms are still built for the long haul. Got the whole rotation intact guaranteed for 2 more years. Just gotta fill in gaps at DH and 3B. But still bazardo will haunt me forever…
Sleeper team???? You mean the team that was very close to WS? Wow shocker.
Whether it’s the Seahawks or the Mariners we just don’t get the mainstream attention or national press, and that’s totally cool, it’s always nice to sneak up on somebody.
The Seahawks got national attention during the Legion of Boom era, Joe Buck and Troy Fakeman just adored Aaron’s Packers more…
Ew
Katie lies,
You could see it in her eyes.
I love that group and I love that album.
(although I was not alive when it came out)
I’m glad you got the reference, hardly ignorant.
Best group of my lifetime.
I still get puzzled by the line “throw out your gold teeth and see how they roll…” He must be referring to some sort of talisman or something, telling the future. Divining the future.
One of my drum tutors/lessons insisted on them as my practice. It didn’t matter to me, although I didn’t really care for them at the time.
They had the most legendary session drummers…OMG I know Jim Keltner was one of them from the Aja album. The drumming is always a highlight and so precise & metronomic. My drum tutor was a “jazz drummer” and he seemed to loath anything to do with rock (too unsophisticated for him I guess) still despise jazz nonsense lol.
Why would the Cardinals want Matos. I want the Giants to get Donovan too but you have to give up something to get something. They can afford to part with Wisenhunt in a deal like this. They have pitching depth in the system.
Seems like every Giants fan thinks they can trade Matos for a kings ransom, and he’s just not that guy!!!!
To be fair, it’s kind of like Mariner fans thinking they can trade Tai Peete for someone good.
Every Giants fan? Ha…Donovan isn’t a guy who’s deserving of a kings ransom either. Matos wouldn’t be my guess either in what a team would want, coming from a Giants fan.
While Matos currently has little trade value, and is probably not THE guy, but he won’t turn 24 until late January. He has the potential to be an above average regular, if he can improve his chase rate. I still like him, and hope he isn’t traded while his value is low
I’m a Giants fan and I agree.
Not top tier pitching talent but which makes Whisenhunt more valuable and not for Donovan.
Two top ten prospects for a utility guy? And Tigers fans wonder why Scott Harris doesn’t want to run away and join this circus…
Any two of SFGs top 10s except Bo Davidson works for me. Go ahead and take your pick. I think Seattle has the upper hand though. How do you compete with a switch pitcher…
Edit: Except Eldridge & Davidson
Fine. Josuar Gonzalez and Jhonny Level. Done.
Deal.
Go ahead and schedule the press conference.
eatonculo, Josuar and Level better not be going anywhere
😉
No
Hi Agnes.
Josuar at 17 may look good, but so did Luciano. Never know how they progress. Lots of other SS prospects in the system. Please don’t cancel my trade, I’ll be crushed..
lol Donovan is not a utility guy…he was an all star lol…can he play multiple positions? Yes…but he should be in the line up every day
He is a 3WAR player and a platoon bat. He is terrible against left handed pitching. Check out his splits both from 25 and 24.
Myth,
Good thing the bulk of pitchers are right-handed.
hes a utility guy like Ben Zobrist was a utility guy.
Utility guy? That’s funny. He’s a good hitter who can start at 2B, LF, and probably a few other positions as needed. He provided a lot of flexibility for the rest of the roster.
Donnie is a utility guy IN ADDITION to being a plus glove at 2nd and a very good leadoff hitter with a very high OBP and 12-15 dinger pop — all super relevant.
Very high obp? Is this a joke?
Zone,
.361 is a very high OBP, especially these days. Bat him second vs. RHP and let him get on base often and score a bunch of runs.
I don’t know if it’s “very high” or not
I do know that it’s 14% better than league average over his career
fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?pos=all&st…
And 11% better than average last year
28th highest OBP in MLB last year. Use whatever adjective you like, he gets on base a lot.
MLB. com has him 17th overall last season. The difference might be on qualifiers.
WestVillageTiger…Harris is collecting second basemen like Preller collects shortstops! They need to trade off some of that surplus.
Mariners or Giants feels like the right homes for this boring player lol. Go get him so I can stop hearing about him.
Let us know when you become a boring All Star. We’ll be waiting.
What’s this have to do with me? He’s boring, that’s not my fault. lol
He’s an All Star and plays an exciting game of baseball. He’s boring to you. No one cares.
Checks notes…you cared enough to respond. 😉
You guys really running with this all star talk. He should have never been an all star and will never be one again
I’m not running with the “all star talk”. The MLB is. They are the one’s who decided he is an all star. I’m sorry that that doesn’t align with your way of thinking or your baseball knowledge. Enjoy your day!
Turn down yur hearing aid. Problem no más.
Zzz
Maybe find something better to do then reading about him then.
Sensitive about a nothing comment? Got it.
Have you watched Donnie play? Do you like baseball? He’s absolutely not boring.
For some of these guys i come at from a fantasy perspective and except for some position eligibility he doesn’t provide enough juice to make him valuable. Sure I get he’s a better real life player, but I don’t have that experience with him so for me I just don’t see the hype in the numbers.
@Salzilla – then your problem is you’re living in a fantasy world, not a baseball fan world. Learn to love the game for what it is…a real sport…played by real people…with real fans.
Real teams with real payroll constraints looking for an edge find a lot of value in the Donnie’s of the world…and he’s a lot of fun to actually WATCH play the actual games.
Donnie is a great complementary piece at a great price. As a fantasy guy, you should at least know that.
First, back off with the stupid insults. I live the NY market and I don’t watch the Cards nor do I care to (no insult to the Cards, but baseball isn’t my whole life). Even if I didn’t play fantasy, which folks really need stop discounting that as a way to evaluate players, (heck I wouldn’t know as much of both leagues and the minors without it) just looking at his numbers just doesn’t do it for me. He’s pretty averagely boring, but like I said there’s value there and maybe defense raises his level, but you said it yourself he’s a complimentary player, and I don’t the fervor for that. Nor would I like my team spending the prospects on that. Could he win me over IRL, sure? But as is, from how I can currently evaluate him, eh there’s sooooo many other guys I’d rather have. Your opinion on him is yours, not mine.
Can I add a partial discount on fantasy as a means for evaluating players, along with a stern warning about the risks of sabermetric addiction syndrome? : )
This is the exactly what’s wrong with fantasy and analytics, it boils down watching a baseball game to a bunch of numbers on a spreadsheet. Completely takes away the magic and the experience from the sport.
Hey man, let us medium payroll type teams have our day in the sun. Yeah we can’t sign multiple free agents at the top of the market like you can, but maybe somebody might want some of our farmhands before they they age out of our system.
No please do, just my 2 cents on the guy. I just don’t see what makes him this coveted. I don’t want him on my team and I fear this is just the type of player Cashman likes.
@sal – you like coming in with hot takes, but don’t like people calling you out…not a good look, my guy. Don’t you realize how you sound? So unnecessary.
Hot take? Proof is in the dude’s pudding. Come on you know how YOU sound attacking me for voicing an opinion? Lol please, “my guy”.
Your post are boring so please stop
LOLZ NAH. I’m a first or second round draft pick here. 😉
Yawn 🥱
Am I the only one that thinks both of those returns seem unexciting for the Cardinals?
Cijntje Would be a great pick up but Monte’s has like a 35% K rate through his time in the lower minor levels. His numbers look like Nolan Gorman only Monte’s can’t run while not having a spot to play defense.
Wisenhunt is a #4/5 starter at best and Klein is projected to be another utility infielder?
Well, both Montes AND Cijiente would be a huge overpay for the M’s
Donovan is a very solid player but he’s only produced 2.6 and 2.7 bWAR over the last two seasons. Perhaps he can push to a 3.5 – 3.7 bWAR ceiling in ’26. He’s not going to net a huge exciting return.
He had an arm injury t and toe injury . both cut into his war totals
If Montes’ swing has its hole shrunk, there is a lot to salivate over. Seattle just isnt’ capable in this regard, and Montes is just young enough there is still time to fix it this next season.
Montes and Kilen are both position players headlining the rankings, while stl needs pitching. Sloan / Donovan. Start from there.
As a Mariners fan, I would expect a superstar back for any package headlined by Emerson, Anderson, or Sloan.
Farm system rankings don’t catch this, but the whole point of the farm is to provide that championship-caliber talent to the major league team.
Right now, for Seattle, that’s Emerson and Sloan more than anyone else. An underpowered, can’t-hit-lefties solid-but-unspectacular defender at 3 positions just isn’t enough for either one of those guys.
Yeah, those are the three untouchables, in my opinion. An exception would have to be for a superstar.
The proposal doesn’t line up well for the Cardinals primary need of SP. If not your untouchables, add to Donnie and look elsewhere.
Two more seasons of Donny wouldn’t disappoint me.
They’re not just my untouchables.
I’d prefer he stays in St. Louis myself.
I’d rather see Seattle go after Hoerner–if he’s available.
Donovan struggled in high-leverage situations last season. He was average at best with RISP and he’s coming off surgery for a hernia (which, to be fair, could have impacted his performance last season). I’d like him in a utility role, I just don’t think Seattle should overpay for a good, but not great, player like that.
Hoerner was excellent in high-leverage situations and with RISP, and his defense is about as good as it gets. Seattle ranked 26th overall collectively defensively.
Meanwhile, Seattle is currently set to platoon both RF and DH. I’d be okay with Canzone & Robles in RF, and hopeful that Robles can return to pre-injury 2024 form and eliminate the need for a platoon, but it would be good to see a more established bat to DH.
Seattle, for the time being, would probably platoon Raley and Robles in RF; DH Canzone and utilize the backup catcher (whoever that ends up being) to spell Raleigh vs. LHPs so Raleigh can DH those games.
Seattle’s front office has suggested they’re likely going to add one more bat and one more reliever. That would be disappointing. There’s an argument for three more bats and at least two more relievers.
I’ll add a little more….
It’s not so much about what a player has done, it’s more about what is expected. Donovan has better career numbers, but it’s also fair to wonder how the surgery might affect him.
I personally would prefer the player with elite defense up the middle that has fewer questions and would likely cost a lot less to acquire.
There is no doubt that Nico Hoerner would be a huge asset to the Mariners but the Cubs are not in “”Rebuild Mode” like the Cardinals look like they are and that means that they would want a major league difference making player in return for Hoerner and I think that would mean one of our starting pitchers which in my opinion, would not be worth it.
Who shall pay for all these acquisitions you want?
I missed the news where Chicago is listening to offers on Hoerner.
It’s speculation and MLBTR did the same.
For what it’s worth, Donovan has a career wRC+ of 132 in high leverage situations so I would guess it was just bad luck last year. Also, I don’t think sports hernia surgeries have long recovery times or long-term complications but I get that it’s a small concern going into the season.
I agree that Hoerner would be a great pickup. It’s been so long since we’ve had good defense up the middle. I guess it all depends on the costs involved in these players.
Yeah, the career numbers are definitely better, but all things considered, I just can’t see coughing up elite prospects for Donovan.
I’d really like to see an emphasis on defense.
Paul Skenes ERA will drop getting this guy out of the NL Central. He tore him up.
I get some of donovans appeal, but is he really worth that kind of prospect haul? Donovan is solid but i think we have already seen his ceiling, especially if you put him in an offense suppressing ballpark.
It’s hard to go through all of the things that makes him such a good player – Whoever gets him will be beyond happy about it for the next two years.
It shouldn’t be that hard Considering he does nothing great and barely good.
He played in an offense-suppressing ballpark in St. Louis.
St. Louis is a pitchers’ ballpark, though not to the degree Seattle is. You have to take ballpark into consideration when evaluating players. Part of Cal Raleigh’s MVP case is he hit 60 HR playing half his games in the best pitchers’ ballpark in MLB.
It’s why, for example, Dante Bichette wasn’t anything spectacular when he played in Colorado despite his Triple Crown numbers looking strong because Coors Field in the early 2000s was a hitters’ fever dream.
Agreed. He’s solid, consistent and defensively flexible but he’ll likely never be better than what he’s shown so far and only has 2 years of control.
he was already in an offense surpressing park.. loses alot of home runs every year
Donovan is a lefty 2Bs guy. Looking at Park Factors for that profile, Oracle ranks 9th overall, with T-Mobile 18th. Busch ranked 12th.
Lefty 2Bs guys with decent speed turn into 3Bs guys @ Oracle Park !
I get the feeling the Cardinals want to make a deal before Monday, so they also clear a spot for Dustin May.
That way they don’t have to DFA Koperniak or one of those extra guys hanging around the bottom of the 40-man.
I don’t understand why the Mariners are focusing so hard on finding a 2B that they think can play 3B when they don’t have an actual 3B. Maybe they sign Murakami (we’ll probably know where he’s going by the middle/end of this week as his posting window expires on the 22nd) or go after Suarez but they need a 3B with some thump in his bat
Colt Emerson is likely joins in ’26. Mariners are preparing to juggle playing time for Cole Young, Crawford, and Emerson between the infield positions; however, one more 2B/3B would make sure the patch work is clean as Emerson can’t likely handle a full season. Note, their utility guy Moore is currently a free agent.
Moore was cut after going 0 for 1,000 in the dog days this year.
The M’s utility guy for next year is likely Rivas, but Mastrobuoni may still be in the mix. (or maybe it’ll be Ben Williamson?)
Same difference, they need a solid utility guy, not scrapping the bottom barrel again.
M’s have the best 3B prospect in baseball who might even be ready in Spring.
That would be a massive overpay for Seattle (2) top 100 prospects. Cardinals should not expect to get any more than what the M’s traded to the Twins for Polanco. Maybe Jonnny Farmelo(ranked 75 in the top 100) and pitcher with some upside like Griffen Hugus.
Montes at 29 overall for Donovan shouldn’t even warrant consideration from the M’s.
Then he goes to San Francisco.
Totally ok with that as a Mariners fan. Donovan doesn’t warrant an overpay. He is a good but not elite at anything, if he were he would be more than a utility player.
The Mariners farm is better than the Giants.
Not a massive overpay. Donovan is younger than Polanco was when traded, is a better hitter, a better defender, and has the ability to play the OF. M’s aren’t getting Donovan for a similar package as what they traded for. Polanco.
On what planet is Donovan a better hitter? He’s never approached Jorge OPS of .821 of last year, he doesn’t have the power, and he doesn’t drive in the runs Polanco does. Jorge is older, but BD will never get a contract @ $20 million per.
Polanco has more power. That’s not disputable. But Donovan is the better overall hitter.
Donovan, last 4 years, .361 OBP, .772 OPS, 117 OPS+
Polanco, last 4 years, .325 OBP, .753 OPS, 115 OPS+
Donovan isn’t better by a lot, but factor in other aspects, like defense, and the gap grows bigger.
Donovan, last 4 years, 11.1 bWAR, 3 OAA
Polanco, last 4 years, 8.6 bWAR, -26 OAA
The point was the return for Donovan should be, and will be, greater than Polanco’s.
I agree. with you that Montes or Cjintje is an overpay. Maybe Arroyo at the most? He is good!
Or? You’re saying Donovan isn’t worth EITHER of those guys?
Lol.
What do you feel the Mariners should offer for Donovan?
Mariners have loads of good prospects. One of those guys, or Farmelo or Sloan, and another lesser piece would be fine. Or two from the tier below them. Colt would be the only prospect I wouldn’t touch. We just saw what value Harry Ford had. Fans vastly overrate prospects.
Cijintje plus Sundrstrom or something similar.
I’d be surprised if Hoerner were made available, but I’d still rather have Donovan. He’s played in a big ballpark, so T-Mobile shouldn’t scare him, but pitchers hate pitching to him and his 8 pitch at bats. Gold Glove defense. Put him in every day at 2B or 3B, depending on who has the better spring among Williamson, Emerson, and Bliss, or consider moving JP to 2nd and put him at SS. Go get him, J/J.
I think it would really depend on Chicago getting Bregman or Suárez, which would allow them to move Shaw to 2B. Hoerner has just has a year of control, so moving him would help them afford Bregman’s or Geno’s salary while netting them someone controllable elsewhere.
But I don’t know if you’re talking about Hoerner or Donovan after the first sentence. Donovan hasn’t hit well in the AL West (small career sample size, though), neither have great P/PA stats and it’s Hoerner who’s won two GGs over the last three seasons.
I’ve talked about JP sliding over to 2B a lot. I think that’s ultimately how/why he might be extended again.
Bliss just missed pretty much all of 2025. I think he’s going to be handled carefully and given plenty of time in AAA to get back on track. I don’t think he’s a realistic option for Seattle opening day, but we’ve seen stranger things.
Seattle should have 25-30m to work with, depending on whether or not they keep Raley and what they end up paying the arb-eligible players (they’ve traditionally paid less than the estimates).
Between free agency and trade, and the use of some prospect capital, they should be able to get a lot better. Neither Hoerner nor Donovan would restrict them from adding more.
Donovan won a GG in 2022 and was an All-Star last season. And Busch is obviously the large stadium.
Donovan clearly has a lot of fans in this post. You would think this dude was a star and not an average player that he clearly is. Dude has no power, slow on the base paths, can’t hit with risp, etc. then yall mention him being an all star lol, dude had ops under 800.
He’s not prime Trout but he’s far better than average.
He’s not even washed up trout.
He’s very valuable because of his consistent well above average hitting and defensive versatility. But yeah, he’s not gonna pull two top 100 guys.
“Half the league would be dumb as you then.
Very high obp? Is this a joke?
You guys really running with this all star talk. He should have never been an all star and will never be one again
It shouldn’t be that hard Considering he does nothing great and barely good.
Donovan clearly has a lot of fans in this post. You would think this dude was a star and not an average player that he clearly is. Dude has no power, slow on the base paths, can’t hit with risp, etc. then yall mention him being an all star lol, dude had ops under 800.
He’s not even washed up trout.”
Thanks for your contributions in this thread
From the article:
“Donovan’s market has been said to encompass more than half the league,…”
So why, if Donovan is just average, has he garnered so much interest from roughly half the teams in MLB? The simple answer is that people that look much deeper into him as a ballplayer than fans do, see a guy who is not just average.
He’s cheap, available and there aren’t that many avg to good 2nd basemen.
So I guess we’ll see who’s take is closer to reality when he gets traded. Guys who are cheap and, available don’t bring back much.
Lazaro Montes is going nowhere. He is simply one of the all-time power prospects that Seattle has ever had. 20 Years old and hitting bombs in AA. The guy is a huge beast and still developing. This guy is one of Jerry D.’s pet prospects.
30% K rate in AA is very worrisome. In fact that’s one of the things teams look most closely at for hitters at that level, because it’s the first time opposing pitchers actually target specific weaknesses in hitters. I’d suggest he’s more likely to go than Cjintje.
He JUST turned 21 and played the majority of his baseball in Cuba. AA is usually 23-24 and he got his taste.The power for his age is incredible. Contact improvement may or may not come. They are handling this guy with kit gloves and coaching. I have not seen a player this size since Aaron Judge. Remember the name.
Mariners looking to deal more of the farm??? If Posey can get away with Schmitt & Kilen for Donovan then I’d say pull the trigger. Doubt the Diamondback would deal Marte to a division contentender and D’backs would likely want Eldridge & Kilen in return.
Cards probably don’t want Schmitt. Not only is his trade value low, they want prospects, not someone that will be a FA around the time the rebuild is over.
If his value is low then the Cardinals won’t have to worry about keeping him around when the rebuild is over or keep him at a low price. Schmitt’s value would increase if he got consistent playing time to grow. It doesn’t matter what the Cardinals want, it only matters what Posey is willing to give them. When do you think the rebuild will be over? Wouldn’t they need some servicable MLB players until that is complete?
Schmitt’s value being low means the Giants aren’t getting much for him unless he’s a throw-in with 2 other decent prospects.
It does matter what the Cards want. It’s not entirely up to Posey to decide what to give. That’s absurd. Teams have to agree on the terms. Donovan is a quality piece, and to get them to trade him you have to give quality. Schmitt would not be seen as quality by the Cards, or any other team.
Posey will help the Cardinals see the potential value in what Schmitt could be as a player, in that the more playing time Schmitt receives the higher his cieling/potential could be. Just like prospects being evaluated could be. I said in my original post here that the Giants should deal Schmitt & Kilen for Donovan, and you respond with the Giants won’t get much value unless they package him with 1 or 2 prospects…how is what I mentioned much different than your response? How are these other nonsensical statements by you of “That’s absurd” & “Teams have to agree to terms” by you meant to move the conversation forward?
Posey is not going to show the Cardinals anything. Are you unaware that every team has compiled a profile for every player and prospect in professional ball? The Cardinals have their own opinion of Schmitt, and nothing Posey, or anyone says, is going to change that. Like every other team, they’ve devoted time and effort to analyzing Schmitt’s game to come to their own opinion.
Read my post again. I did not say the Giants wouldn’t get much value unless they package him with 1 or 2 prospects. What I said was maybe he could be traded as a throw-in with 2 other decent prospects. That’s a huge difference in what I wrote and what you think I wrote.
You wrote that it It doesn’t matter what the Cardinals want, it only matters what Posey is willing to give them. That is what’s absurd, because, as I said it has to work for both teams. It does matter what the Cards want. They won’t trade unless they get what they want. And Posey only controls what he’s willing to give to come to a mutual agreement.
Plus, this idea that all Schmitt needs is regular playing time is a fantasy. He’s gotten plenty of regular playing time. He played 95 games last season, 90 games in 2023. He is what he is. He’s not magically turning into a 2.5 WAR player with more playing time. He’s not 24, he’ll be 27 in March.
Here is your comment “Schmitt’s value being low means the Giants aren’t getting much for him unless he’s a throw-in with 2 other decent prospects”, that is pretty similar to what I wrote. Yes Jean, I am aware every team has scouting departments…but thank you for reinforcing that for me. Schmitt is entering his prime! He’s due for a big breakout!
We’ll just have to agree to disagree. I think there’s a big difference in value between Schmitt and one prospect, and Schmitt as a throw-in with 2 decent prospects..
And we’ll have to disagree about any Schmitt breakout. Take a look at his Statcast page:
baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/casey-schmitt…
There’s a significant lack of red. Look at his chase rate. Scroll down and look at Pitch Tracking and Run Values by Pitch Type. He can’t hit the breaking ball, especially the slider. I could be wrong, but unless he’s able to make some very big adjustments, I’m not holding my breath waiting for a breakout.
The “source” for this is obviously the Cardinals since discussions involved private discussions with both teams. The Cardinals have a vested interest in showcasing the top-10 talent they might get back. It might spur other teams to up their bids or make the M’s/Giants panic and offer a little more.
Too many of you guys skim read the articles about Cjintje. It says that the Cards asked for him not that he was part of a package Seattle was willing to give up for him. They can keep asking but I highly doubt he will be in a formal proposal from Seattle. The same goes for Kade neither are on the list of players they will look at trading. I know he is not a hugely coveted SPer but Emerson Hancock would be a decent fill in piece. Some are not as high on him and seem to only remember his bad games and forget his really good games.
I personally would rather we don’t make a trade and go after Bichette hard. He could play 2nd or maybe 3rd. Could also give JP a day off at SS. That also depends on soon Colt will make it up. If at the beginning of the season he breaks camp with the team Bo would play 2nd. Maybe SS depends on what they do with JP. We will need to trade some of our prospects soon. Just not enough spots to go around. I wish DiPoto would stop drafting so well. Come on have a few clunker years will you? Said nobody ever. In Bo’s contract there will have to be a few clauses that he can void the contract. This will help the Ms fill in with their youngsters as they get to the point they are ready to play.
I also am 50/50 on Marte. They are asking for either Gilbert or Kirby as the opening piece. I think we need to trade Kirby at some point I am not sure he will resign with Seattle. I hear he wants to get back towards the East Coast. Would this be far enough for him? Maybe we don’t care and trade him to the Snakes for Marte. I think he will be more while he is under team control for so many years.
I’d rather get Bichette as well, but he seems to want 8 years/$210 million and the M’s just don’t do that with FA under this regime. He only becomes viable if it’s late February. I wouldn’t want to lose out on Donovan because of waiting for Bo.
Please no Mariners. Donovan started the year strong then pretty much flamed out after he came back from injury. No way on Montes, do cinja and a top 10 and that’s it
Trade Farmelo, Peete and McGraw for Dlonovan Ptbn
Donovan and Arenado would solve Seattle’s problems at 2B and 3B. Would have to give up at least one of the SP from their core though.
In that deal, Cards get one from the core if they pay 90% of his remaining salary.
Hmmm… Brandon Donovan would be nice but the Giants need at least 2 starting pitchers, a closer and at least one starting outfielder. Casey Schmitt will be fine at second IMO with Koss as back-up.
IMO, allocate resources elsewhere to fill other needs.
I disagree. I don’t understand the support Schmitt gets from Giants’ fans. He tantalized in ST in 2023, but has disappointed when he got regular playing time. His chase rate went from horrendous to bad, but it’s still bad.
A career 0.4 bWAR and 87 OPS+ is not something I think will be fine. Apparently Posey, and the rest of the FO, think that 2B is a position that needs the upgrade, and I agree with them.
I think they need one more SP, not 2. If Whisenhunt is traded, I’d rather they go with someone from the, McDonald, Beck, Birdsong, Tidwell, or Teng group as the #5, than go with Schmitt at 2B.
Not sure why the Giants are willing to offer two of our better prospects for Donovan for two years, but not interested in signing King or Gallen because they would require draft picks?? SP is the bigger need. Also Kilen and Whisenhunt would be a safer value than those picks.
I’d say it was because Gallen wasn’t very good last season, and King might be an injury risk. He’s a converted reliever who was injured last season. Maybe they don’t want Jordan Hicks 2.0. If they’re giving up a pick, they probably would want someone better/safer.
He’d be a nice fit for the Mets. They need another second baseman. Is six of them ever enough?
Donovan one of the better batters in the league. His ks are low and hits for decent average. Nit many batters do this in todays game. The batters are getting weaker year by year.we need a resurgence of baseball.
Brendan Donovan is a good player, who has been worth at least average starter value for years.
The problem for the Mariners’ situation is that he’s a left-handed hitter, who doesn’t hit lefty pitchers (75 wrc+ in 2025).
A large part of Donovan’s value would be to backstop two pretty good prospects in Cole Young and Colt Emerson. Providing an alternative, and taking tough games as one or both successfully transition to full-time starter. They both hit lefty. And Dan Wilson believes in the critical importance of platoon advantage more than any man now living.
If Donovan is acquired, how does the lineup work? Do Rivas and Williamson start/sub in against every lefty? Do Colt and Cole take turns riding the bench against righties (or Canzone in LF, with his 150 wrc+ against righties)? Or does Donovan’s acquisition mean either Colt or Cole won’t be with the M’s in 2026? Can a draft/develop team not play it’s top prospects when they’re ready?
The M’s need a right-handed batting Brendan Donovan. I’m not sure this guy is the right fit.
Donovan is not the right fit. Forget about who the prospects would be. . If Young , Williamson or Emerson break out they could produce what Donovan provides. I would gamble on Marte as he could be a DH later in the contract. But not if they demand one of our 5 starters. If no Marte then find a right handed hitter for DH