The Seattle Mariners had to swallow a very tough pill after being just one game away from getting to the World Series. But it has been a long time since then, and they are getting ready for a new season. They are looking to make significant upgrades to their team. But it looks like the St. Louis Cardinals are in no mood for helping them.

The Mariners were very interested in the Cardinals player, Brendan Donovan. But it looks like Chaim Bloom wants nothing to do with the Mariners.

“I think Seattle, we would all agree, is the perfect landing spot for Brendan Donovan,” said Jim Riley. “A situation where Brendan Donovan might not be traded… There is no guarantee that Brendan Donovan will be dealt by the St. Louis Cardinals… the St. Louis Cardinals aren’t going to achieve anything this year.”

Seattle has tracked Brendan Donovan for multiple seasons, dating back to his everyday role emergence. The interest never faded because Donovan fits their need after losing Jorge Polanco.

Seattle’s infield lacks stability, and Donovan covers second base while offering corner flexibility defensively. That long pursuit sets the stage for tension as negotiations stretch without resolution.

St. Louis holds leverage because Donovan remains controlled through 2027 at manageable arbitration salaries. He will reportedly earn $5.75 million for 2026, with another arbitration year following soon.

The St. Louis Cardinals know his leaguewide demand of a .287 average, .353 on-base, and .775 OPS. That leverage forces Seattle to wait while St. Louis chooses timing carefully now.

St. Louis is rebuilding after consecutive losing seasons and trading Gray, Contreras, and Arenado recently. They have missed postseason contention since 2022 and have not won playoff games since 2020. So, Bloom is set to prioritize long-term returns over speed.

Keeping Donovan helps stabilize lineups while prospects develop across multiple infield positions internally.

Bloom can also wait for the deadline, when injuries usually expand trade markets leaguewide. Donovan’s consistent 114 OPS-plus across four seasons supports higher midseason valuations for contenders. International commitments and roster strain in later seasons often push contenders toward versatile infield bats.

St. Louis could also deploy Brendan Donovan themselves, preserving flexibility if no offer meets value.

For the Seattle Mariners, waiting risks facing wealthier bidders and inflated prices during deadline competition periods.

Their current need at second base may be cheaper now.

If Donovan moves elsewhere, Seattle’s months-long pursuit ends without solving its offensive gaps internally. That possibility lingers as both fanbases watch clocks tick toward spring and summer quietly.

Other than the Mariners, there are a few more contenders for Brendan Donovan

The Cardinals, with Bloom calling the shots, aren’t making Donovan easy to get.

The race for Brendan Donovan extends beyond the Mariners, with the Giants and Red Sox actively involved.

The Giants have maintained interest since the Winter Meetings, signaling consistent pursuit of the versatile infielder. Boston seeks Donovan to replace Alex Bregman, as other options like Bo Bichette and Nolan Arenado landed elsewhere.

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Both the Giants and Red Sox could play major roles in Donovan’s market due to positional needs.

Donovan’s defensive versatility allows him to cover multiple infield positions, making him highly valuable. With two years of team control remaining, both teams could secure Donovan without immediate free agency concerns.

The Cardinals aim to maximize return, emphasizing his high-OBP profile to interested teams.

Adding Donovan could meaningfully impact each team’s lineup and defensive stability during the season.

In 2025, he hit .287 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs across 118 games. His Gold Glove and All-Star credentials demonstrate proven skill at both defense and plate contributions.

If acquired, Donovan offers teams a consistent, above-average infielder who strengthens both offense and fielding.

Brendan Donovan’s trade saga shows Cardinals, Mariners, Giants, and Red Sox playing a careful waiting game. Whoever secures him gains a proven infielder capable of shifting both offense and defense immediately.