Brendan Donovan has quietly become one of the most intriguing names on the trade market this offseason - and for good reason. The 29-year-old infielder is coming off an All-Star campaign, where he not only went 2-for-3 in the Midsummer Classic but also led the Cardinals in bWAR (2.7) over just 118 games. His .287/.353/.422 slash line, paired with 10 home runs and a 119 OPS+, speaks to a level of offensive consistency and versatility that teams covet - especially in today’s game where lineup flexibility is gold.
Now, with the St. Louis Cardinals under new leadership in president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, the organization is clearly reshaping its roster.
They’ve already moved key veterans like Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, and Nolan Arenado in a push to shed payroll and retool for the future. That’s put Donovan squarely in the crosshairs of several contenders, with the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants emerging as the most active suitors in recent weeks.
Both teams have reportedly engaged in trade talks with St. Louis, exchanging names and exploring frameworks, though nothing appears imminent.
The Mariners have been linked to Donovan throughout the winter, searching for a bat-first infielder who can anchor the top of the lineup and offer defensive flexibility. The Giants, meanwhile, are still in the market for a second baseman and see Donovan as a potential fit who could solidify their infield picture.
But here’s the catch - the Cardinals aren’t in a rush. According to reports, St.
Louis doesn’t feel any pressure to move Donovan unless they’re absolutely blown away by an offer. That’s not just posturing.
With Donovan under team control and making a reasonable $5.8 million in 2026 (his second year of arbitration eligibility), the Cardinals are in a strong position to either hold or deal from a place of leverage.
The Boston Red Sox have also been floated as a potential dark horse in the Donovan sweepstakes. Bloom, who previously served as Boston’s chief baseball officer from 2020 until the end of the 2023 season, has already made two deals with his former club this offseason. That familiarity could grease the wheels if the Red Sox decide to make a serious push - though, as of now, their interest appears to be more exploratory than aggressive.
Still, with just under three weeks until pitchers and catchers report, the clock is ticking - but not in a way that’s forcing St. Louis to act.
Bloom has reportedly expressed a preference for resolving player movement before spring training begins, giving his roster clarity heading into camp. But if the right deal doesn’t materialize, the Cardinals are fully prepared to bring Donovan back for the 2026 season and revisit the trade market closer to the deadline.
As of now, sources close to the team suggest it’s a 50-50 proposition - Donovan could just as easily stay in St. Louis as he could be suiting up in Seattle, San Francisco, or elsewhere. It all comes down to the offers on the table and whether any front office is willing to pay the premium price for a player who brings a rare mix of contact, plate discipline, and positional versatility.
Donovan’s value isn’t just in the box score - it’s in the way he impacts a lineup every day. Whether he’s leading off, hitting in the two-hole, or playing multiple infield positions, he’s the kind of player who makes a manager’s job easier and a team’s offense better. That’s why he’s in demand - and why the Cardinals are playing this one close to the vest.