Mariners Rumors: Seattle narrowly escaped a Brendan Donovan-to-Houston nightmare

The Mariners aren't typically one of the busiest organizations in the winter, but they've bucked the trend this year. Of all 30 teams, they've had one of the most productive offseasons and did it without breaking the bank. There may have been a few missed opportunities but overall, it would've been difficult for fans to ask for more.

The organization's most recent acquisition of Brendan Donovan will send the team to spring training on a high note, rounding out the roster by filling in a crucial infield need. It came after weeks of speculation, and while it may have seemed that these two parties were destined to end up together, the reality is that another suitor narrowly missed their chance.

Brendan Donovan was almost involved in a three-team trade with the Cardinals, Red Sox, and Astros

In a recent article for The Athletic, Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal reported that Houston was trying to barter a deal to send Isaac Paredes to Boston and acquire Donovan for themselves. The Astros had been eyeing him since the trade deadline, and allegedly planned on using him more as a left fielder but ultimately failed to get anything done.

A contributing factor could've been their lack of feasible trade assets. Houston's farm system is one of the weakest in MLB and they are one of just two organizations with no prospects in MLB's Top 100. At least in recent years, they've struggled to develop young talent, and the names that have found success in the upper levels of the minor leagues have been packaged away.

On the other hand, the Cardinals have five names in the Top 100, including J.J. Wetherholt who is currently ranked No. 5 overall. They also have Jurrangelo Cijntje, who became St. Louis's No. 4 prospect after coming over from Seattle.

This is one of many signs pointing to a major shift of divisional power. For years, the AL West ran through Houston thanks to a dynasty powered by a homegrown nucleus of exceptional baseball talent. Seattle has followed a similar formula thus far, using the Astros' own strategy to dethrone them as kings of the division.

At the moment, the Mariners have a rare combination of big league star power and prospect depth. The front office is fully aware that this competitive window won't last forever and they're doing all of the right things to make the most out of this relatively short-lived opportunity. To acquire Brendan Donovan is a major step in the right direction, but to keep him out of the hands of their toughest rival is a proverbial cherry on top.