Mariners getting needed bat in All-Star Brendon Donovan via three-team deal with Cardinals, Rays

The Seattle Mariners had been looking for another bat in the lineup, with president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto hinting that a trade was in the works. That deal came together on Monday.

Katie Woo and Chad Jennings of The Athletic reported that the Mariners are close to acquiring utility man Brendan Donovan as part of a three-team deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and St. Louis Cardinals. Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reported that switch 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 competitive balance B draft pick and outfield prospect Colton Ledbetter to the Cardinals.

As the Cardinals are rebuilding, it was seemingly a matter of time before Donovan was traded as well. He posted a .287/.353/.422 batting line in his 515 plate appearances, hitting 10 homers and 32 doubles. Although Donovan has spent most of his time at second and left field, he has experience at each infield position and right field, giving the Mariners a versatile weapon.

Mariners getting Brendan Donovan, but is that enough?

The Mariners are giving up a decent haul to acquire Donovan. Cijntje had been ranked as the Mariners seventh-best prospect per MLB.com. He is considered to be a better pitcher as a righty, with a plus fastball that approaches triple digits, a slider that flashes plus and a changeup with fading action. From the left side, Cijntje utilizes a sweeper that flashes plus and a low 90s fastball. 

Peete, the Mariners' 11th-best prospect per MLB.com, has impressive raw power and can hit to all fields, although there are questions about his hit tool. He is considered to have plus speed, a strong arm and solid glove. While he has seen time at short, third and left, he is regarded as a future center fielder due to his speed and defense.

Ledbetter was not ranked among the Rays' top 30 prospects, but is nonetheless an interesting addition. He is considered to have plus raw power and can do damage in the lower half of the zone. However, his swing path leads to issues against elevated fastballs, and there are questions about his hit tool. Ledbetter has experience at all three outfield spots and could be a power-hitting fourth or fifth outfielder if he develops as expected.

While Donovan is a solid addition to the lineup, he may not be enough. The Mariners lost third baseman Eugenio Suarez and infielder Jorge Polanco in free agency, and while they were able to retain first baseman Josh Naylor, they lack another dangerous power hitter to pair with outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Donovan is a good start to improving their depth and versatility, but he cannot be all the Mariners add to the lineup as they look to reach the World Series for the first time in franchise history.