The Seattle Mariners had been searching for one other bat within the lineup, with president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto hinting that a trade was in the works. That deal got here collectively on Monday.
Katie Woo and Chad Jennings of The Athletic reported that the Mariners are near buying utility man Brendan Donovan as a part of a three-team take care of the Tampa Bay Rays and St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reported that change pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje and outfield prospect Tai Peete are heading to St. Louis. Infielder Ben Williamson is heading to the Rays, with Joel Sherman of the New York Post reporting that the Rays have traded a aggressive stability B draft choose and outfield prospect Colton Ledbetter to the Cardinals.
Because the Cardinals are rebuilding, it was seemingly a matter of time earlier than Donovan was traded as effectively. He posted a .287/.353/.422 batting line in his 515 plate appearances, hitting 10 homers and 32 doubles. Though Donovan has spent most of his time at second and left subject, he has expertise at every infield place and proper subject, giving the Mariners a flexible weapon.
Mariners getting Brendan Donovan, however is that sufficient?
The Mariners are giving up a good haul to amass Donovan. Cijntje had been ranked because the Mariners seventh-best prospect per MLB.com. He’s thought-about to be a greater pitcher as a righty, with a plus fastball that approaches triple digits, a slider that flashes plus and a changeup with fading motion. From the left facet, Cijntje makes use of a sweeper that flashes plus and a low 90s fastball.
Peete, the Mariners’ 11th-best prospect per MLB.com, has spectacular uncooked energy and may hit to all fields, though there are questions on his hit instrument. He’s thought-about to have plus velocity, a powerful arm and stable glove. Whereas he has seen time at brief, third and left, he’s thought to be a future heart fielder attributable to his velocity and protection.
Ledbetter was not ranked among the many Rays’ high 30 prospects, however is nonetheless an fascinating addition. He’s thought-about to have plus uncooked energy and may do injury within the decrease half of the zone. Nonetheless, his swing path results in points towards elevated fastballs, and there are questions on his hit instrument. Ledbetter has expertise in any respect three outfield spots and may very well be a power-hitting fourth or fifth outfielder if he develops as anticipated.
Whereas Donovan is a stable addition to the lineup, he is probably not sufficient. The Mariners misplaced third baseman Eugenio Suarez and infielder Jorge Polanco in free company, and whereas they had been capable of retain first baseman Josh Naylor, they lack one other harmful energy hitter to pair with outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Donovan is an efficient begin to enhancing their depth and flexibility, however he can’t be all of the Mariners add to the lineup as they appear to achieve the World Sequence for the primary time in franchise historical past.
