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<h2>Why the Seattle Mariners Shouldn't Trade for Brendan Donovan</h2>
<p>Earlier this month, Jerry Dipoto received the Baseball America’s 2025 Executive of the Year award, marking a first for anyone in the Mariners' management, with Pat Gillick previously winning a related honor in 2001. This recognition underscores the substantial transformation observed within the franchise over the years. Mariners fans have had moments of insight that made them feel ahead of the curve. Now, after a decade under Dipoto, though his philosophies may have varied, his overall strategy remains clear and transparent.</p>
<p>The Mariners' approach of "Draft, Develop, Trade" has finally led them to an AL West championship, setting them up for another attempt at the division title and the American League Pennant. Having learned the importance of patience, I caution against being overly ambitious, especially following Seattle's struggles post the exhilarating 2022 season. My aspirations for top-tier free agents have tempered over time, as I've experienced both disappointment and validation regarding my predictions in past seasons.</p>
<p>Currently, I believe that Brendan Donovan does not significantly enhance the Mariners’ prospects enough to warrant a trade. Donovan is a talented utility player who, despite his late introduction to MLB, has accumulated 10.1 fWAR across 492 games, boasting a consistent performance. However, his defensive capabilities are below average, making him more of a versatile replacement rather than an elite defender.</p>
<p>Recent trade rumors suggest that acquiring Donovan could cost the Mariners multiple top prospects, including outfielder Lazaro Montes and pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje. Reports indicate that Seattle and the San Francisco Giants are leading the negotiations for Donovan, highlighting Seattle's intent to strengthen their roster for another playoff challenge.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, the Mariners have several promising internal candidates who could closely mirror Donovan's contributions, negating the need to trade valuable prospects like Montes and Cijntje. Options like Cole Young, Ben Williamson, and Leo Rivas show potential, with projections suggesting they could perform comparably to Donovan without the risk of losing promising talent.</p>
<p>Throughout the Dipoto era, the Mariners have shifted from a boom-or-bust strategy to one focused on more steady talent acquisition, bolstered by star performances. To justify a trade aimed at improving their roster, Seattle should pursue players who can deliver unique skills not already present among their current roster.</p>
<p>Ketel Marte stands out as a compelling target. Returning to Seattle after a successful stint in Arizona, Marte has become a star and is consistently rated among the best players in MLB. His capability to play multiple positions and his offensive prowess make him a more valuable asset than Donovan. If Seattle is to invest in a trade, it should be for a player like Marte, who can bring substantial skills to the team that are not already available.</p>
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