As the MLB offseason starts to slow down, the St. Louis Cardinals have remained a frequent topic in trade speculation, with second baseman Brendan Donovan often at the center of those discussions.
Donovan’s name has circulated throughout the winter, as several teams with infield needs have reportedly shown interest in him. While St. Louis hasn’t completely ruled out the idea of moving him, a recent update suggests a deal is far from likely.
According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Cardinals are in no rush to trade Donovan and would only consider doing so if they received an overwhelming return.
“The Cardinals do not feel the need to trade [Brendan] Donovan, and they will only do so if they are blown away by an offer,” Woo reported.
Multiple Teams Linked to Donovan
A number of potential landing spots have been floated for Donovan, especially among teams still looking to shore up their rosters ahead of the 2026 season.
The Boston Red Sox are one such team. After losing Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs in free agency, Boston could benefit from added infield depth, making Donovan a logical option.
The San Francisco Giants have also been mentioned. Although they’ve had a relatively quiet offseason, Donovan’s skill set could fit well with their needs.
The Seattle Mariners are another club to watch. Their offseason hasn’t gone as planned, and acquiring Donovan could help them stay competitive in the American League.
If the Cardinals were to make Donovan available, interest around the league would be strong. Still, St. Louis has made it clear they won’t trade him unless the deal significantly benefits them.
Donovan’s Value on the Field
Donovan is widely regarded as a strong defensive second baseman, highlighted by his Gold Glove win in 2022 and his steady play in the field.
Offensively, he offers reliable production. In 118 games last season, the 29-year-old hit 10 home runs, drove in 50 runs, and posted a .287/.353/.422 slash line. In 2024, he appeared in 153 games, finishing with 14 home runs, 73 RBI, and a .278/.342/.417 slash line.
While power isn’t his primary strength, Donovan excels at getting on base and providing consistency—traits that are highly valued across the league.
Trade rumors surrounding Donovan are likely to continue, but this latest report makes one thing clear: the Cardinals are perfectly comfortable keeping him in their lineup unless a truly exceptional offer comes along.
