The Red Sox have been tied to Brendan Donovan in trade rumors throughout the offseason, but if recent projections hold true, the versatile Cardinals infielder might be heading west - just not to Boston.
Instead, the San Francisco Giants are emerging as a potential landing spot for Donovan, with some insiders predicting a deal could get done before the offseason wraps. And when you take a closer look at the fit, it makes a lot of sense.
The Giants are in the market for a second baseman, and Donovan checks a lot of boxes. He’s a left-handed bat who brings contact, on-base skills, and defensive versatility - all things San Francisco could use more of.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals have been open for business, especially when it comes to hitters approaching 30. Brendan Donovan, at 27, isn’t quite there yet, but he’s close enough to be part of the conversation as St.
Louis continues to retool its roster.
Now, let’s talk about what Donovan brings to the table. In 2025, he played in 118 games and slashed .287/.353/.422 with a .775 OPS.
He collected 132 hits, drove in 50 runs, scored 64 times, and even chipped in 10 homers and three stolen bases. He also walked 42 times while striking out just 67 - a solid indicator of his plate discipline and approach.
That kind of production doesn’t jump off the page in today’s power-heavy game, but it’s exactly the kind of steady, reliable output that teams covet in the middle of the lineup or near the top. And when you factor in his ability to play all over the field - infield and outfield - Donovan becomes even more valuable.
The Giants, in particular, could benefit from a platoon setup at second base, and Donovan fits nicely into that equation. He’s posted an .812 OPS against right-handed pitching in his career. Pair that with someone like Tyler Fitzgerald, who has an .841 OPS against lefties, and suddenly you’ve got a productive, flexible keystone combo that can be tailored to matchups.
If the Cardinals do move Donovan, they’ve got options to fill the void. Thomas Saggese could slide into a larger role, and the organization is clearly preparing for the arrival of JJ Wetherholt, one of their top prospects. Trading Donovan would clear a path for both players to get meaningful reps, while also potentially bringing back assets to help elsewhere on the roster.
Donovan’s profile is one that teams love: a .282 career average, 498 hits, 40 home runs, and a .771 OPS across 492 games since his debut in 2022. He’s not a superstar, but he’s the kind of glue guy that helps good teams become great - a player who can hit anywhere in the order, fill in across multiple positions, and keep the offense moving with quality at-bats.
He was the Cardinals’ lone All-Star in 2025, which says a lot about how he’s viewed around the league. Even on a team that finished 78-84 and missed the postseason, Donovan stood out as a consistent, dependable contributor.
Whether he lands in San Francisco, Boston, or somewhere else, Donovan’s name is one to watch as the trade market continues to shake out. He may not be the flashiest name on the board, but make no mistake - he’s the kind of player who can quietly shift the balance for a contender.