St. Louis — A seismic event is happening across MLB as beloved St. Louis Cardinals star Brendan Donovan suddenly becomes the hottest name on the 2025 winter trade market. From a steady and versatile player, Donovan is now being labeled “the most obvious trade candidate in the majors” — leaving Cardinals fans both excited and worried.
After Sonny Gray was considered the Cardinals’ first “trade chip” this season, attention quickly turned to Donovan. No one expected that just a few weeks into the season, Brendan Donovan — known for his consistent hitting, OPS+ in the 110–120 range, and versatility between the infield and outfield — would become the top target for many major league teams.
According to RJ Anderson of CBS Sports, Donovan is the hottest name right now: “Contract status: under team control through 2027. Potential suitors: Yankees, Guardians, Astros, and most other contenders. Donovan might be the most obvious trade candidate in the majors. His two years of remaining team control will stretch beyond his 31st birthday, and it seems unlikely that the Cardinals will value those to the same extent that a more competitive squad will.”
Donovan’s consistent offense combined with his versatile defense makes him an attractive asset for any team looking to bolster their roster before entering a competitive season. Experts say that any team that acquires Donovan will get “a well-rounded, versatile player with two years left on his contract” — a huge advantage.
Not only RJ Anderson, The Athletic also emphasized that Donovan would only be “released” by the Cardinals if the team was “blown away” by the trade value. However, Derrick Goold of St. Louis Cardinals The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that more than half of MLB teams are currently eyeing Donovan, with the number expected to reach 22. This makes Brendan Donovan the biggest trade buzz topic this season.
Interestingly, just a few weeks ago, all the attention was on Sonny Gray and Nolan Arenado as the season ended. But now, Brendan Donovan is the name that fans and pundits should be keeping an eye on. The shift in perception around the Cardinals has been rapid, and it shows how hot the MLB market is during the offseason.
Donovan is a consistent player who maintains his OBP and his ability to create an edge on the field, while also being a “bridge” between positions on the roster. These qualities make him an ideal target for the Yankees, Guardians, Astros, and many other competing teams. A Donovan trade would be a “big deal” for the Cardinals, but it could also leave Reds fans both surprised and heartbroken.
In the context of the 2025 offseason, Brendan Donovan is the name that “can’t be missed.” From fans to team GMs, everyone is watching the Cardinals’ every move. Will the team keep Donovan to continue building the team, or will they trade for strategic benefits? The upcoming decision could reshape the Cardinals’ situation and even affect the 2026 MLB season.
A dramatic offseason is ahead, and Brendan Donovan is at the center of all the talk — from “fan-favorite” to “most obvious trade chip,” from Petco Park to Oracle Park, he is facing opportunities and challenges that could change both his career and his team.
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