Wild Mariners trade idea lands two lefty hitters from Cardinals to fix infield, outfield

Matt Sullivan

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Wild Mariners trade idea lands two lefty hitters from Cardinals to fix infield, outfield image

The Seattle Mariners haven't made much headway in major moves since they re-signed Josh Naylor to a $92.5 million deal. He was a big pickup, and while they've made other moves, Naylor is the headliner.

But that doesn't mean they aren't linked to some top names. Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals is one player they've been likened to before, even being tabbed as one of two favorites to land the lefty-hitting Gold Glove All-Star infielder.

When prompted about the Mariners' chances of adding Donovan, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal on Foul Territory revealed that he believes the Mariners are the favorites, and also didn't shut down the interesting trade idea, which would land Lars Nootbaar in Seattle as well.

Mariners linked to Cardinals in wild trade idea

"I still see Seattle as the favorite (for Donovan)," Rosenthal said. "The idea of Nootbaar and Donovan together in Seattle, I could see that being a possibility."

There are two clear takeaways, with the first being that the Mariners are the favorites for Donovan at this point. The Boston Red Sox aren't likely to be as interested as before, while the San Francisco Giants will likely not spend as much as the Mariners.

If Seattle has a solid offer on the table, they would be likely contenders to get the Cardinals' second baseman to come to Seattle.

But the more interesting takeaway is that the Mariners could swing a two-player trade that would land both Donovan and Nootbaar in Seattle this winter.

More: MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency

It was proposed by a fan's question, but Rosenthal, instead of shutting it down, was receptive to such a trade idea.

Adding both Nootbaar and Donovan in one trade won't come cheap for the Mariners, but if they could land both, they would be improving their outfield and infield with one roster move.

Seattle isn't pressing for an infielder or outfielder like they might've been if it weren't for Colt Emerson and Cole Young, but they could still use someone at either position.

Donovan and Nootbaar would be a bold way to plug those holes. Rosenthal is receptive to the idea and could see a scenario where both Cardinals left-handed hitters make their way to Seattle this offseason.

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Staff Writer