The St. Louis Cardinals appear increasingly likely to move veteran infielder Brendan Donovan as they continue reshaping their roster during a rebuilding phase. Donovan, a popular figure among Cardinals fans, would command meaningful interest on the trade market and could bring back a solid return. Several teams have already been linked to him, including the Seattle Mariners and the San Francisco Giants.
ESPN analyst Bradford Doolittle recently projected that San Francisco could emerge as Donovan’s eventual landing spot before the offseason concludes. Such a deal would make sense for both organizations based on their current needs and timelines. The Giants are in the market for a reliable second baseman, while the Cardinals have shown a willingness to move hitters nearing their late 20s or early 30s as they reset the roster.
Doolittle noted that the fit is particularly clean from a roster-construction standpoint. San Francisco could use Donovan’s strength against right-handed pitching—where he owns an .812 career OPS—and pair him with Tyler Fitzgerald, who has excelled against left-handers. That platoon approach would give the Giants strong production at second base while minimizing Donovan’s career struggles against southpaws.
From the Cardinals’ perspective, trading Donovan would open the door for younger talent. The move could allow St. Louis to hand more responsibility to Thomas Saggese while also clearing a path for top prospect JJ Wetherholt, whose arrival at the major-league level may not be far off. With Donovan potentially heading toward free agency after next season, moving him now would allow the Cardinals to gain value rather than risk losing him for nothing.
San Francisco would benefit significantly from acquiring Donovan due to his positional flexibility. He has experience playing multiple infield spots and can also handle corner outfield duties when needed. While he is not considered an elite defender, his versatility and consistent offensive production increase his overall value.
Of course, landing Donovan would not come cheap. Given his skill set and team-friendly salary, the Giants would likely need to part with a notable package of prospects to complete a deal. Still, for a team seeking stability and versatility in the lineup, Donovan could be a strong addition and a worthwhile investment.
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