Mariners' biggest offseason regret being All-Star trade pickup makes no sense

The Seattle Mariners haven't exactly had a successful 2026 season so far, as they're 25-27, and outside of the playoff hunt at the moment. But, only 1.5 games back in the AL West, it's way too soon to write the Mariners off.

Looking at the team, there are a lot of things to like about their chances to go on another postseason run. Over the offseason, the Mariners made a few nice moves to upgrade the roster, but that doesn't mean every move has worked out so far.

Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller, in identifying each MLB team's biggest regret from the offseason, called out the Mariners blockbuster trade for All-Star Brendan Donovan as their top regret.

"Offseason Regret: Trading for Brendan Donovan," Miller writes. "Donovan hit well out of the gates, but he is already on the IL for a second time with a groin injury and has a .657 OPS dating back to April 3."

While Donovan is injured and out for some time this season, it's still egregious to call the Mariners trade for him their biggest regret from the MLB offseason.

Brendan Donovan trade as Mariners' top regret makes no sense

Miller focused on the trade package for Donovan as the main reason why this was a regretful move for the Mariners. "But the bummer here is what Seattle gave up to bring in Donovan for this season and next."

Seattle sent the St. Louis Cardinals Jurrangelo Cijntje, Tai Peete, and a draft pick, while they sent the Tampa Bay Rays Ben Williamson to complete this blockbuster trade.

It's an expensive package, but for a World Series contender, this is the exact kind of move that's worthwhile to make, even at an expensive price tag.

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Donovan has 0.7 bWAR in 25 games for Seattle this season with three homers and a .274 average to go with an .839 OPS and 143 OPS+ on the year.

If Donovan were struggling, then maybe the Mariners could actually have reason to regret this move. But, he's hurt, and should come back later this season and provide quality play for the Seattle infield or outfield.

The Mariners aren't in such a bad spot that the trade of Donovan is one the franchise should regret. If anything, the Mariners should regret not adding more offensive firepower, and not the move they actually made.

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