Cardinals Trade Utility Star Brendan Donovan to Mariners

Donovan opens up about his first trade and excitement to join Seattle

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The St. Louis Cardinals made a major offseason move, trading versatile All-Star Brendan Donovan to the Seattle Mariners in a three-team deal. Donovan, who had spent his entire MLB career with the Cardinals, spoke to the media about his reaction to the trade, expressing excitement to join the Mariners organization and welcoming nature of his new teammates.

Why it matters

The Cardinals have undergone a significant roster overhaul this offseason, trading away several key players as they look to rebuild. Donovan's departure is a notable loss for the team, as he had emerged as a valuable utility player. The trade also represents an opportunity for Donovan to join a Mariners squad that made the playoffs in 2025 and is looking to build on that success.

The details

In the three-team deal, the Cardinals traded Donovan, an All-Star utility man, and received three prospects and two draft picks in return. Donovan said the trade process went smoothly, and he was immediately impressed by the welcoming nature of the Mariners organization and his new teammates.

  • The trade was finalized in the offseason, ahead of the 2026 MLB season.
  • Donovan spoke to the media about the trade on Wednesday as Mariners Spring Training camps opened.

The players

Brendan Donovan

A versatile All-Star utility player who spent his entire MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals before being traded to the Seattle Mariners in the offseason.

Jerry Dipoto

The general manager of the Seattle Mariners, who called Donovan to inform him of the trade.

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What they’re saying

“It was my first time ever being traded, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I thought it went smooth. I knew when I got the call from [Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto], I was like, 'OK, this is a real thing.' And immediately, after talking to my family, we're just excited.”

— Brendan Donovan, Mariners Player (si.com)

“You know, the cool thing about rumors is, is they're just rumors? So we, we do a pretty good job of trying to stay out of the, you know, the rumors in the limelight of the offseason. You know, offseason for me is kind of just like hanging out with my family, training.”

— Brendan Donovan, Mariners Player (si.com)

What’s next

The Cardinals will look to continue their offseason roster overhaul as they aim to rebuild for the future, while the Mariners hope Donovan can help them build on their 2025 playoff appearance.

The takeaway

Donovan's trade to the Mariners represents a significant change for both the player and the Cardinals organization, as St. Louis continues to reshape its roster through a series of offseason moves.