The three best trade fits for infielder Brendan Donovan

Seattle Mariners

Adam Jude of The Seattle Times reports that last offseason, the Mariners had interest in Donovan. Perhaps that interest could be rekindled this winter.

Jude notes that Seattle is looking for help at second base and third base after re-signing Josh Naylor. Donovan can play both positions, and if Eugenio Suarez and Jorge Polanco leave, Donovan could be the guy that replaces them at those respective positions.

The Mariners also have a lot of young controllable pitching that the Cardinals might be interested in, and given Seattle's past interest, a deal could come together pretty quickly. Emerson Hancock, Bryce Miller or even Bryan Woo could be potential fits.

The Mariners would be getting a true table-setter that fits well with their young team and can hit at the top of the lineup.

Kansas City Royals

The Royals are a team that is loaded with pitching but doesn't have enough offense. It's what ultimately cost them a spot in the playoffs in 2025.

But they have had interest in Donovan, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. They have holes at second base and left field. Donovan is obviously able to play second and could be an upgrade over Jonathan India, but he has experience playing the outfield as well, so he could be the outfielder the Royals need to boost the offensive production from that area of the club.

Goold noted that somebody like left-hander Noah Cameron, with several years of club control left, could be somebody the Cardinals show interest in. The Royals also have arms like Ryan Bergert and Mason Black that could catch St. Louis' eye.

Cleveland Guardians

Another team Goold noted had interest is the Guardians, and they match up well for St. Louis. Like the Royals, they need more offense and also have some of the pitching that St. Louis might be after.

The Guardians struggled against right-handed pitching, posting a .679 OPS. Donovan hits left-handed and could give them a boost in that regard. 

He could take over second base until No. 17 prospect Travis Bazzana is ready and then be moved to a corner outfield spot.

Some pitchers that St. Louis might be interested in including No. 6 prospect Khal Stephen and left-handers Logan Allen and Parker Messick.

This potential deal could help both teams and allow the Guardians to remain at the top of the AL Central for at least another year while also getting the offensive boost they need. 

Donovan and Steven Kwan could form a prolific duo at the top of the lineup.