Mariners' mission now even more obvious after perilously vague Red Sox update

The Seattle Mariners need one more position player, and the Boston Red Sox are in the same boat after failing to retain Alex Bregman. This functionally makes them enemies as the offseason counts down to spring training, and word is that the Red Sox may be preparing to strike.

You have to take this "word" for what it's worth, and that is according to none other than the reporter who's responsible for it. That caveat aside, Chris Cotillo of MassLive did still post about the Red Sox being heavily involved in the trade market right now:

Though the name "Brendan Donovan" is not explicitly mentioned here, it is implied. We've written extensively (heck, exhaustively) about the Mariners' interest in the St. Louis Cardinals All-Star, and it's out there that he's on Boston's radar, too.

Perilously vague Red Sox update should light a fire under the Mariners

If Jerry Dipoto and company have cause to relax here, it has to do with how Donovan is an imperfect fit for the Red Sox. He would fill one of the holes on their infield at second or third base, but he'd be another left-handed hitter for a lineup that already skews left.

The threat of Boston getting to Donovan first is still real, though. They have the options to form workable platoons at whatever position he would play, and they certainly know how to make deals with the Cardinals. Already, Chaim Bloom has looted his former post for prospects in trades for Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras.

This is not to say the Mariners can't beat the Red Sox to Donovan. They've been barking up his tree for what seems like the whole offseason, and we know from prior reporting that they have two prospects who interest the Cardinals.

Donovan also fits in Seattle better than he does in Boston. He'd be more of a sure thing at the keystone than Cole Young, and insurance at third base in case neither Ben Williamson nor Colt Emerson is up to earning the job this spring. He would also bring stability to a leadoff spot that was often on the fritz in 2025.

The Mariners' disadvantage is that they don't have much in the way of Plan Bs. Whereas pivoting to Nico Hoerner, Isaac Paredes or Eugenio Suárez would be sensible moves for Boston, only the latter really makes sense as a fallback for Seattle. And even then, the downside of a third return to Seattle for "Geno" is that he's an aging player who's an odd fit for the club's 2026 trajectory.

Which is to say that now seems like a good time for the Mariners to up the ante on Donovan. Even if it means insisting on also getting, say, lefty reliever JoJo Romero, walking headlong into a potential overpay would beat missing out on Donovan altogether.

This shouldn't have to be said, but the Mariners also need to keep their eye on the prize. Enough about the 54 percent thing. This season simply must be World Series or bust.