This would be a very sensible move as the Padres need to add a catcher. The money would be the main benefit of this possible transaction. It would be obvious if the Padres could sign Realmuto for $12 million annually. However, the Phillies will probably be active in his free agency at that price. In any case, Realmuto is probably going to sign a contract that is marginally bigger than our estimate.
This summer, he has been connected to a few organizations. It’s mostly just noise. Mock trades, speculation, things of that nature. However, when he revealed on Wednesday that the Seattle Mariners are one of the teams that had “expressed interest” in Donovan, Adam Jude of The Seattle Times caused some controversy.
The Cardinals should call the Mariners
“Donovan was on the Mariners’ radar a year ago, and the M’s have again expressed interest in the versatile left-handed hitter,” Judge said. “A first-time All-Star this season, Donovan is only 28 years old and is expected to earn about $5 million in arbitration for 2026. In an era of swing-and-miss, Donovan’s high-contact metrics stand out. He hit.287 with a.353 on-base percentage and a.775 OPS, 10 home runs and 32 doubles, and his 119 wRC+ (where 100 represents league average) ranked No. 5 among all MLB second basemen.
He is mostly a second baseman, but he has also played left field, third base, and shortstop on occasion. The Mariners may look to Donovan for a similar role after longtime utility player Dylan Moore left late in the 2025 season. However, the Mariners would intend to use Donovan in a regular role, and he would also be a good contender to replace him as the leadoff hitter.
After making it to the American League Championship Series and re-signing Josh Naylor, Seattle currently has a void at third base and second base, making them an intriguing team to target. Perhaps they would be willing to get aggressive for Donovan.
It would be intriguing if the Cardinals could steal a young, cost-controlled starting pitcher from the Mariners. One of Seattle’s greatest assets is their rotation. Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo, George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Luis Castillo are all featured. A conversation would be meaningful if the Cardinals were able to sign a starter. The Cardinals won’t deal Donovan unless they are blown away, according to reports. That should apply to one of these Mariners starters.
