Tai

Peete

Peete is a 2023 first-round pick of the Seattle Mariners who was traded to the Cardinals in the Brendan Donovan deal. He has gone 6-for-14 in three games in the AFL with a home run, two RBI, and three steals. On the season, he hit .296/.359/.549 in 66 games across two levels while registering 13 home runs and 16 steals. He ended the season with 21 games at Double-A and will likely begin 2027 there as well.

Peete is just 20, but his second full year in the Mariners system was pretty disappointing, as he hit .217/.288/.404 with 162 strikeouts in 529 plate appearances at High-A Everett. A converted infielder, he shows plenty of speed in center, and he definitely still offers ample power potential. However, his swing-and-miss tendencies have dropped his stock.

It’s a three-team deal that will send Mariners prospects Jurrangelo Cijinte and Tai Peete to the Cardinals, says Adam Jude of the Seattle Times, and third baseman Ben Williamson from the Mariners to the Rays, according to USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale. The Rays will be parting with outfielder Colton Ledbetter and a Comp B draft pick (slated to be the 72nd or 73rd pick overall), with both going to the Cardinals. Donovan, who has been part of trade rumors all winter, seems likely to play third for Seattle with Williamson gone, though he’s also very much an option at second base and in left field. The Mariners would have the 2025 NL All-Star under control for the next two years.