Mon Feb 02 21:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Rays Acquire Ben Williamson in Three-Team Trade

The Story:
The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired infielder Ben Williamson from the Seattle Mariners as part of a three-team trade that also involves the St. Louis Cardinals. In return, the Mariners will receive Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals. Williamson, a defense-first third baseman, is coming off a season where he hit .253/.294/.310 with one home run in 85 regular-season games for Seattle in 2025.

Key Points:

  • The Rays acquired Ben Williamson from the Mariners in a three-team trade.
  • The Mariners received Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals.
  • Williamson slashed .253/.294/.310 with one home run in 85 games in 2025.
  • Williamson is likely to start the 2026 season at Triple-A Durham due to Junior Caminero’s presence at third base for the Rays.

Critical Analysis:
The Mariners’ decision to trade Ben Williamson, previously considered a frontrunner for the third base position, suggests a shift in their roster strategy. Given the prior discussion about whether both Colt Emerson and Ben Williamson could coexist on the 2026 roster, it appears the Mariners have prioritized other talent or are addressing specific needs with Brendan Donovan. The Rays acquiring Williamson provides depth at third base and a potential future option should Junior Caminero not pan out or move to another position.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Mariners have seemingly altered their plans at third base, opting for Brendan Donovan over Ben Williamson.
  • Ben Williamson’s offensive struggles in 2025 likely contributed to the Mariners’ decision.
  • The Rays are strategically adding defensive depth and future positional flexibility with the acquisition of Williamson.
  • Williamson faces an uphill battle to make the Rays’ major league roster in 2026, given Junior Caminero’s presence.

Impact Analysis:

The trade highlights the competitive nature of roster construction in Major League Baseball and the importance of addressing team needs efficiently. The Mariners’ acquisition of Brendan Donovan suggests an immediate focus on offensive production or versatility, while the Rays are making a longer-term play for defensive stability. This three-team trade is not expected to have a major impact on the Cardinals.

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