The Toronto Blue Jays have spent much of the offseason circling two big names: Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker. But with no real traction on either front, the team is still staring down a major need - finding a bat that can help replace the offensive production they’ve lost.
The good news? Toronto has roster flexibility to work with.
Outside of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. locking down first base, the rest of the lineup is malleable. Addison Barger brings the ability to play third or corner outfield, while Ernie Clement offers coverage across the infield and in left field.
That versatility gives the Jays some breathing room when it comes to targeting talent - they don’t have to chase a specific position, just a specific kind of impact.
And if the Bichette and Tucker avenues remain closed, another intriguing name has surfaced: Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Why Brendan Donovan Makes Sense for the Jays
Let’s be clear - Donovan isn’t going to light up the scoreboard with home runs. That’s not his game.
But what he does bring is a high-contact, high-OBP profile that could stabilize the top or middle of the Blue Jays’ lineup. Over four seasons, Donovan has hit 40 home runs and driven in 202 runs.
He owns a career .772 OPS, and his walk-to-strikeout ratio (0.67) speaks to a disciplined approach at the plate. His lowest wRC+ in any season?
- That’s a sign of steady, above-average production.
And then there’s the glove. Donovan is a true utility man - he can handle every infield spot and both corner outfield positions. That kind of defensive flexibility is gold for a manager like John Schneider, who values the ability to mix and match his lineup depending on matchups and injuries.
But here’s the catch: Donovan is still under team control for two more seasons. That makes him not just useful, but valuable.
And the Blue Jays aren’t the only team that sees that. The Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants are reportedly in the mix, and both have deeper prospect pools to work with.
So if Toronto wants to get serious, they’ll need to put together a package that turns heads in St. Louis.
What Would It Take to Land Donovan?
The Cardinals are looking to get younger and are prioritizing pitching and outfield help in any return. The Blue Jays can deliver on both fronts - but it’s going to cost them.
Here are a few names that could headline a trade package:
Ricky Tiedemann - LHP, #4 Prospect
Tiedemann is the crown jewel of the Blue Jays’ pitching prospects. Even after missing all of 2025 following Tommy John surgery, the 23-year-old is still viewed as a potential frontline starter. Toronto added him to the 40-man roster this offseason, a clear signal they expect him to contribute in 2026.
When healthy, Tiedemann brings legit heat - a fastball that touches 98 mph and a nasty 83 mph slider. He’s the kind of high-upside arm that could anchor a trade package for a player like Donovan.
Johnny King - LHP, #5 Prospect
Only 19, but already turning heads. King was a third-round pick in 2024 and dominated across Rookie and Single-A ball last season. In 61.2 innings, he posted a 2.48 ERA and racked up 105 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .200 batting average.
He’s got a fastball in the mid-90s and a curveball that’s already fooling hitters. The changeup is still developing, but the foundation is there. For a Cardinals team looking to retool with young arms, King is an enticing piece.
Yohendrick Pinango - OF, #7 Prospect
Pinango’s numbers don’t jump off the page, but he’s a solid all-around outfielder with a good eye at the plate. He slashed .265/.337/.394 last season and drew 70 walks - a sign of patience and approach. He’s not a power hitter (15 HRs last year), and his arm likely limits him to left field, but he’s a smart, steady player who could develop into a useful everyday piece.
Joey Loperfido - Utility
Loperfido made the most of his limited time in the majors last season, slashing .333/.379/.500 over 104 plate appearances with a 148 wRC+. He’s played all three outfield spots and has experience at first and second base.
The challenge? He’s buried on a deep Blue Jays roster.
With two pre-arbitration years remaining, he’s a cost-controlled, versatile bat that would fit well on a Cardinals team looking to retool.
Addison Barger - Utility
This is where things get interesting - and potentially polarizing. Barger is coming off a 21-homer season and has shown flashes of being a key contributor.
But consistency has been an issue. While Donovan brings a more reliable bat and a higher on-base profile, Barger offers more pop.
If the Blue Jays are serious about Donovan, Barger might be the piece that gets it done. The trade-off is clear: you’re swapping raw power for steady production and defensive flexibility. But if Toronto can land someone like Bichette or Tucker to address the power gap, moving Barger for Donovan makes more sense.
The Blue Jays Have the Pieces - Now It’s About the Push
Toronto may not be the front-runner in the Donovan sweepstakes, but they’re not out of the race either. They’ve got the arms, the depth, and the positional versatility to make a compelling offer - especially if they’re willing to part with MLB-ready talent or top-end prospects.
In a competitive AL East and with a roster that’s clearly built to win now, adding a player like Donovan could be the kind of move that pays off in October. The question is whether the Jays are ready to outbid the Mariners and Giants - and how much they’re willing to give up to do it.