The St. Louis Cardinals and the Decision to Keep Brendan Donovan

The St. Louis Cardinals have made several significant moves this offseason, trading away key veteran players such as Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, and Nolan Arenado. These decisions reflect the team’s strategy to shift focus toward younger talent and to manage their roster more effectively. Amid these changes, there has been ongoing speculation about a potential trade involving utility player Brendan Donovan. Despite these rumors, many analysts believe that the Cardinals do not need to trade Donovan at this time.

A Franchise Cornerstone in the Making

With the departure of several veteran leaders, the Cardinals are currently lacking a clear franchise cornerstone. In this context, Donovan could play a crucial role. He was an all-star in 2025, posting a .287 batting average, a .773 on-base plus slugging (OPS) percentage, and a 2.74 wins above replacement (WAR). While these numbers may not match those of elite players like Aaron Judge, Donovan’s value lies in his approach to the game.

Donovan is known for his leadership and dedication to “The Cardinal Way.” He has been with the team since 2022 and has played in 492 games, accounting for 75% of his Major League appearances. This consistency makes him a reliable asset for the Cardinals as they build their young roster. His commitment to playing the game with respect and integrity aligns with the team’s values and can help shape the culture moving forward.

The Perfect Offer: Why the Cardinals Don’t Need to Trade

In the current situation, the Cardinals hold a strong position in any potential trade discussions involving Donovan. They are not under pressure to move him to reduce salary obligations. Although he is still on his rookie contract, the team avoided arbitration with the 29-year-old on January 8th. He is set to earn $5.8 million in the 2026 season. However, the Cardinals are not in a rush to make a deal, especially since Donovan will become a free agent in 2028.

With two more years of control over Donovan, the team would need to receive a substantial return to justify a trade. At this point, it seems unlikely that the Cardinals would find an offer that meets their expectations. Keeping Donovan also does not interfere with the team’s immediate plans for the upcoming season.

No Harm, No Foul: Keeping Donovan Benefits the Team

Donovan is expected to be the opening day second baseman for the Cardinals. However, his versatility allows him to play nearly any position on the field, as evidenced by his National League utility Gold Glove win in 2022. This flexibility makes him a valuable asset for the team, as he can fill in wherever needed.

Some fans worry that keeping Donovan might hinder the development of the team’s top prospect, JJ Wetherholt. However, Wetherholt is still learning both the second base and third base positions. If he struggles to adapt to third base at the Major League level, Donovan can step in without issue. In fact, not trading Donovan might even benefit Nolan Gorman, as the team has a clear understanding of what to expect from him at this stage of his career.

Conclusion: Why the Cardinals Should Keep Donovan

Ultimately, trading Donovan would not necessarily hurt the Cardinals, especially if they received a high return. However, coming off his best season and serving as a foundational player, there is no compelling reason to move him. Without a perfect offer, the Cardinals are better off keeping Donovan and continuing to build around his leadership and versatility.

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