The St. Louis Cardinals are nearing a trade that will send All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan to the Seattle Mariners, possibly involving the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-team deal. This move is pending medical evaluations.
Donovan, 29, has been a hot commodity this winter. The Cardinals have been exploring options to trade him, but only if it would yield a significant return. With the team rebuilding under president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, trading Donovan could help them acquire promising prospects as they prepare for the future.
Multiple teams have shown interest in Donovan, including the Mariners and the San Francisco Giants. While the Giants initially targeted him, they recently opted for free agent Luis Arraez. This shift opened the door for Seattle to ramp up their pursuit of Donovan.
The Cardinals had already traded away established players like Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras to create opportunities for younger talent. They see Donovan as a key asset that could bring in substantial returns. Although he could fit into a long-term role, St. Louis is making moves focused on building a new core of homegrown talent.
A Versatile Player
Drafted by the Cardinals in 2018, Donovan quickly made a name for himself. He has played various positions, including second base and left field. He won the utility Gold Glove in 2022 and became the Cardinals’ lone All-Star in 2025. While he may not excel in any particular area, his well-rounded skills have contributed significantly to the team’s performance. In the past season, his value was comparable to players like Riley Greene and Ian Happ, as he posted a 2.9 fWAR.
Team Control and Salary Insights
Donovan is currently in his second arbitration year, agreeing to a salary of $5.8 million for the upcoming season. With one more year of team control left before he can become a free agent, the Cardinals have a strategic advantage. They are under no immediate pressure to move him, but the ongoing trend of trading veterans for prospects aligns with their long-term vision.
The Cardinals’ Rebuilding Process
Since Bloom’s appointment in October, the Cardinals have been proactive in reshaping their roster. They’ve executed eight major trades, moving notable players and focusing on younger talent. Their strategy appears to be clearing the way for up-and-coming players to gain more experience and playing time.
To strengthen their pitching staff, the team has signed free agents like Dustin May and Ryne Stanek. This allows them to integrate more young talent into their lineup, which is still competitive despite the recent changes.
Looking Ahead
The trade of Donovan may open more infield opportunities for prospects like JJ Wetherholt, a highly rated player from the 2024 MLB Draft. The Cardinals won’t stop here; players like Lars Nootbar and JoJo Romero, with limited control left, could also be on the trading block.
In a rapidly changing landscape, the Cardinals are striving to build a strong, homegrown team while balancing immediate needs with future potential. With young stars stepping up, the upcoming season looks promising for St. Louis fans.
For more insights on MLB trades, check out this study by MLB Trade Rumors which tracks player movements and team strategies.
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