MLB 2026

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity on Monday because the teams hadn't finalized the trade. ESPN Reporter Jeff Passan also confirmed the Mariners were "nearing a deal to acquire" Donovan in a three-team trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. Donovan, 29, was a first-time All-Star last year, when he hit .287 with 10 home runs, 50 RBIs, and a .775 OPS. Over a four-year major league career, Donovan has hit .282 with a .772 OPS, 40 home runs, and 97 doubles. Donovan also won a utility player Gold Glove as a rookie in 2022.

Details have not yet been released, but reports indicate the Mariners will give up Ben Williamson, Jurrangelo Cijntje, and Tai Peete.

Cijntje was the Mariners seventh-ranked prospect according to MLB.com, and Peete was 11th in 2025.

Williamson played 85 games with the Mariners last season, racking up 1.3 WAR—although a lot of that came from his fantastic defense.

Donovan has a $5.8 million, one-year contract, is eligible for arbitration again next winter, and is on track to be eligible for free agency after the 2027 World Series.

He could slot into the middle of the Mariners batting order in the way Jorge Polanco did last year. Polanco hit 26 homers, then became a free agent and signed a $40 million, two-year contract with the New York Mets.