Let's talk second base trade targets
Several noteworthy names have been connected to the Mariners in trade rumors. But do any of them make sense for the team?
We recently discussed potential outfield trade targets for the Mariners. Now, let’s turn our attention to second basemen mentioned by national and local media outlets as possible fits for Seattle in 2026.
Jake Cronenworth - Padres
Selling points: Cronenworth had a career high .367 OBP this year, which tied for 11th best with Freddie Freeman. The closest Mariner on the list was Cal Raleigh (.359). Taking free passes played a big role in this on-base success. Just 12 qualified hitters had a higher walk rate than Cronenworth.
The left-handed hitting Cronenworth provided more power against right-handed pitching. Otherwise, he managed to have relatively even platoon splits.
Platoon Splits (2025)
vs RHP: .245 AVG, .364 OBP, .388 SLG
vs LHP: .248 AVG, .373 OBP, .353 SLG
Over the past five seasons, Cronenworth has played in 727 games, which averages out to 145 annually and is the highest tally of any player we will discuss.
Cronenworth demonstrated an interesting mix of positional versatility this year. The two-time All-Star’s primary position was second base. But he also made 10 starts at shortstop and started nine contests at first base.
Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Cronenworth boasted an above-average sprint speed of 28.1 feet-per-second.
Potential concerns: Cronenworth’s bat didn’t have a lot of pop in it. The former Michigan Wolverine delivered 32 extra base hits - the fewest of his career with the exception of the truncated 2020 season.
Cronenworth’s productivity was noticeably better on the road than at Petco Park, which matters to this nerd. Statcast Park Factors rates San Diego’s home field as fifth worst for left-handed hitters, while T-Mobile Park ranks last.
Home/Away Splits (2025)
Home: .218 AVG, .360 OBP, .330 SLG
Away: .270 AVG, .373 OBP, .419 SLG
Brandon Lowe - Rays
Selling points: Lowe’s 31 home runs tied with Jazz Chisholm Jr. for the MLB lead among second basemen. Moreover, just three positional peers delivered a better SLG than the Maryland alum - Ketel Marte, Jorge Polanco, and Chisholm.
Lowe frequently makes loud contact. The left-handed hitter had the third highest hard-hit and barrel rates among second basemen.
In addition to playing second base, Lowe has appeared in 16 games at first base over the past three seasons.
Potential concerns: Lowe’s 26.9-percent strikeout rate could potentially climb if he were playing home games at T-Mobile Park. As we discussed during our outfield conversation, the Mariners struck out 2.4-percent more often at home than on the road in 2025, the greatest home field disadvantage in baseball.
Health has been an ongoing concern with Lowe. Over the last five seasons, he’s averaged 113 games annually. Dating back to 2022, he’s landed on the injured list eight times, including two stints this year.
Lowe IL Stints Since 2022
May 2022 - Stress reaction in lower back (61 days)
Aug 2022 - Triceps contusion (10 days)
Sep 2022 - Lower back discomfort (24 days)
Jun 2023 - Lower back inflammation (30 days)
Sep 2023 - Fractured patella (10 days)
Apr 2024 - Oblique strain (41 days)
Jul 2025 - Oblique tightness (10 days)
Jul 2025 - Ankle tendonitis (10 days)
Source: Baseball Prospectus
Lowe wasn’t effective against southpaws. His .548 OPS ranked 53rd of 61 lefty bats with 100 plate appearances against left-handed pitching.
Defensive range was problematic for Lowe this year. The Virginian accrued minus-13 Outs Above Average (OAA), which ranked last among 46 second basemen. Finishing in 45th place with minus-9 OAA was Cole Young.
Ketel Marte - Diamondbacks
Selling points: Marte is a superb run producer. His 145 wRC+ was seventh best, while the two-time Silver Slugger’s OBP and SLG were top-15. Furthermore, he was one of just eight hitters to break the .280 AVG threshold and clobber at least 25 home runs.
Even though Marte possesses a potent bat, he limits strikeouts. This year, his 14.9-percent strikeout rate ranked 29th.
Marte’s 4.6 fWAR was number-two among second basemen just behind Nico Hoerner (4.8). Overall, the Dominican was 24th best in MLB.
The switch-hitting Marte had strikingly similar platoon splits.
Platoon Splits (2025)
v RHP: .287 AVG, .376 OBP, .517 SLG
v LHP: .277 AVG, .375 OBP, .516 SLG
From a defensive perspective, Marte’s one OAA signals his range was slightly above average.
Potential concerns: Games played have dropped in each of the last three years. In 2023, Marte appeared in 150 contests and then 136 the following season. In 2025, the 11-year veteran played in 126 games.
Marte’s IL stints have not been long. But he’s dealt with hamstring issues dating back to the 2021 campaign.
IL Stints Since 2021
Apr 2021 - Hamstring strain (41 days)
Jun 2021 - Hamstring (34 days)
Aug 2024 - Ankle sprain (18 days)
Apr 2025 - Hamstring strain (27 days)
Source: Baseball Prospectus
Brendan Donovan - Cardinals
Selling points: Donovan also avoids the swing and miss. His 13-percent strikeout rate ranked 13th of 145 qualified hitters.
Although he doesn’t hit a lot of home runs, Donovan hits doubles. His 32 two-baggers this year would’ve tied for the Mariners team lead with Randy Arozarena.
Donovan is a consistent offensive performer. His production numbers this year were remarkably close to his career stat line.
Donovan’s Consistent Production
2025: .287 AVG, .353 OBP, .422 SLG, 119 wRC+
Career: .282 AVG, .361 OBP, .411 SLG, 119 wRC+
Donovan was primarily a second baseman in 2025. However, he’s demonstrated the ability to play multiple positions. He appeared in 100 games at the keystone, plus 18 in left field and six at shortstop. The South Alabama alum also has previous MLB experience at first base, third base and in right field.
Potential concerns: When facing right-handers, Donovan has a .812 OPS in four big-league seasons. Conversely, he has a .651 OPS against left-handers. This year, the All-Star’s production versus southpaws was even worse.
Platoon Splits (2025)
vs RHP: .315 AVG, .383 OBP, .471 SLG
vs LHP: .230 AVG, .292 OBP, .322 SLG
Considering his relatively young age, this may be a nothing-burger. Donovan underwent sports hernia surgery in October. This comes after he was on the injured list in August-September due to a groin injury. It’s also worth noting that he previously dealt with foot pain that was initially blamed for irritating his groin.
Jeff McNeil - Mets
Selling points: McNeil has the lowest strikeout rate of any of the players we’ve discussed. Only 13 of 215 hitters with 400 plate appearances were better than the left-handed hitter.
For those who subscribe to “clutchiness,” McNeil produced a .278 AVG and an .862 OPS with runners in scoring position (RISP). For his career, he has a .286 AVG and an .801 OPS in 874 plate appearances with RISP.
McNeil made 69 starts at second base. But he also started 28 contests in center field and another seven in corner outfield spots. The Long Beach State product accrued four OAA, which ranked 12th of 46 qualified second baseman and was better than the players we’ve discussed.
Potential concerns: McNeil, who turns 34 in April, has been on the injury list in four of the last five seasons with wrist, elbow, and hamstring issues. This year, he missed the first month of the season with an oblique strain. In 2024-25, the two-time All-Star averaged 126 games. There’s more.
McNeil had offseason thoracic outlet surgery in October. His agent expects the 2022 NL Batting Champion to be ready for Spring Training.
Thoughts
Based on what I think I know about the Mariners, Donovan is the only logical choice of the five names we discussed.
Donovan’s consistency at the plate is very appealing. That said, his ability to move around the infield may matter most to a club like the Mariners, which probably doesn’t want to block its infield prospects from reaching the big leagues.
Yes, Marte is the best hitter and player on our list. However, the three-time All-Star doesn’t make sense long-term. He’s under contract through his age-37 season, a likely no-go for Seattle.
It feels like Lowe’s name has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate for the Mariners in every offseason of the club’s existence. His power is enticing, but injury issues and suboptimal defensive range are red flags for this blogger.
Considering McNeil’s extensive injury history and advancing age, it’s reasonable to wonder how the outlet procedure affects the California native’s availability and performance at the plate and in the field in 2026.
Cronenworth is under contract through the end of this decade when he’ll be 36-years-old. Much like Marte, the Mariners acquiring the Michigan native, a league-average hitter over the past three seasons, would be a perplexing move.
My Oh My…
Thanks for the analysis, Luke. As you say, only Donovan makes sense in this list.
But I'm wondering if it makes sense to replace really key positions before it becomes a pressing need. Talking shortstop here - JP to 2nd and Bichette to short! Probably a pipe dream with ownership thinking Naylor is their one and only blue chip gift to the fans in 2026.
But still, are there any upgrades to be had at short & move JP to 2nd.