The Boston Red Sox are fully equipped to pursue whatever moves they deem necessary this offseason.
After moving Rafael Devers, the club should have the financial flexibility to complete virtually any deal they target. Boston also has Major League players — particularly in the outfield — who could be included in trade discussions, along with a deep pool of prospects. With their competitive window beginning to open, the Red Sox should explore every possible avenue during the offseason.
The Red Sox are a big-market team with plenty of resources, so unsurprisingly any player who could be available typically ends up being linked to the organization. MassLive.com’s Sean McAdam added a very intriguing name to the list on Sunday and threw out the idea of acquiring Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals.
“Just a thought: The St. Louis Cardinals are open to trading infielder Brendan Donovan,” McAdam wrote. “He can play either second or third pretty well, and though he hits left-handed, which is sub-optimal, he’d make some sense for the Red Sox, whose entire infield, save for shortstop, remains undefined.
“The most appealing part of Donovan’s game for a team looking to make more contact? He puts the ball in play, with a career strikeout rate of just 13.51 percent and a .361 OBP.”
This is a compelling proposal from the Red Sox insider. Donovan is only 28 and under team control through 2028. Offensively, he’d provide Boston with another steady presence near the top of the lineup. In 2025, he posted a .287/.353/.422 slash line with 10 homers, 50 RBIs, 32 doubles, and 64 runs scored across 118 games.
But his appeal goes well beyond the bat. Donovan’s versatility is what truly sets him apart. Though he made the All-Star team in 2025 primarily as a second baseman, he also logged time at shortstop, left field, and designated hitter. Over his career, he has played every position except center field and catcher — including first, second, shortstop, third, left, and right.
At first glance, a left-handed hitter who spends most of his time in the infield might not seem like an obvious fit. However, depending on the moves Boston makes this winter, Donovan’s Swiss-Army-knife skill set could address needs almost anywhere on the roster.
If Alex Bregman departs, Donovan could slot in at third base. He could also handle second base if Marcelo Mayer shifts to third. And if Boston trims its crowded outfield mix, Donovan offers coverage there as well. Ultimately, he’s a player capable of providing high-end defense at multiple positions while boosting the offense—a smart option depending on who the Red Sox part with this offseason.
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