The Brendan Donovan trade buzz that’s been humming through MLB’s offseason is starting to hit a bit of a lull. The Cardinals’ do-it-all infielder has certainly caught the attention of several clubs - the Giants, Mariners, and Red Sox among them - but with Spring Training looming, the market hasn’t quite shifted into gear.
Let’s start with Boston. On paper, Donovan checks a lot of boxes for them.
He’s a left-handed bat with positional flexibility, someone who could slide into second or third base and solidify the infield. But the Red Sox are juggling a few internal priorities that complicate the fit.
Chief among them? Marcelo Mayer.
The highly touted shortstop prospect is expected to get a real shot at consistent playing time this season, and Boston isn’t eager to block that development. Add to that an already lefty-heavy lineup, and the need for Donovan becomes a bit more nuanced.
Still, the Sox are clearly exploring their options. Names like Nico Hoerner, Matt Shaw, and Isaac Paredes have all been floated as possible targets. It’s not that Donovan isn’t a fit - it’s that Boston is weighing fit against cost, both in terms of dollars and prospects.
As of now, Donovan remains a Cardinal. But the interest around the league hasn’t gone away.
ESPN’s Buster Olney noted that some rival executives believe Donovan could be on the move in the coming weeks. The Mariners have reportedly kicked the tires, and while Boston remains a logical landing spot, they seem committed - at least for now - to a platoon of David Hamilton and Enmanuel Valdez (or Ceddanne Rafaela, depending on how things shake out) at second base.
Donovan’s appeal is clear. In 2025, he hit .287 with 10 home runs and posted a .775 OPS - strong numbers for a player who can handle multiple infield and outfield spots.
He’s a former All-Star with a Gold Glove to his name, and he’s under team control through 2027. His $5.8 million salary for 2026 is more than manageable, especially for a player who brings that level of versatility and production.
That combination - performance, positional flexibility, and cost control - gives the Cardinals leverage. They don’t have to move Donovan unless the return justifies it. And right now, it appears the asking price is keeping suitors like the Red Sox at arm’s length.
Unless Boston sweetens the pot, Donovan is likely staying put in St. Louis - at least for now. That leaves the Red Sox continuing to evaluate alternatives like Hoerner and Paredes as they look to shore up the infield before camp opens.
The market may be quiet at the moment, but with a player like Donovan still available, don’t expect it to stay that way for long.