ST. LOUIS — The atmosphere at Busch Stadium is heating up by the hour as news leaks that St. Louis Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt Jr. is preparing a “shocking” contract to keep versatile star Brendan Donovan after the 2025 season ends.
With the Cardinals officially eliminated from the postseason race and fans growing impatient with repeated disappointments, Donovan has emerged as a “lighthouse” in the rebuilding effort. With the ability to play multiple positions, a steady batting average above .280 and a tireless fighting spirit, Donovan has become one of the indispensable players in the lineup.
According to multiple inside sources, the contract the Cardinals are expected to offer could be for at least six years, worth between $90 million and $110 million — an extremely bold figure for a player who is not a superstar but shows outstanding value in terms of stability and versatility.
“Brendan Donovan is more than just a player, he is the fighting spirit that the team needs during difficult times,” a Cardinals executive is said to have shared with the media. “Fans deserve to see reliable faces like him stick around for the long term in St. Louis.”
During the 2025 season, Donovan has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise shaky group. From clutch hits to versatile defense in the infield and outfield, the 28-year-old has proven himself worthy of being the “backbone” of the Cardinals.
Donovan’s stats show he has over 145 hits, 65 RBIs, and a 3.5 WAR for the season, enough to make him a top retention target for the team. While big names like Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt are no longer in top form, Donovan is becoming the only name that receives absolute consensus from fans about long-term value.
Bill DeWitt Jr.’s “big money” is also seen as a strategic move to ease pressure from fans. After the Cardinals missed the postseason in two of the last three years, the audience’s confidence was shaken violently. Many fans called on social media that the team needed a symbolic contract to prove their commitment.
“Donovan is the player you build a team around,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “If the Cardinals let him go, it would be the biggest shock to the St. Louis community since Wainwright retired.”
However, some experts warn that handing Donovan a long-term contract is also risky. Utility players are often valued for their versatility, but rarely receive huge contracts. However, given Donovan’s track record and the Cardinals’ desire to regain their identity, this deal seems less an option and more an imperative.
If the news comes true, the Cardinals will send a clear message: they are willing to change their approach, building a team based on stability and loyalty, rather than chasing flashy short-term deals.
The city of St. Louis is waiting for a bang from Bill DeWitt Jr.’s boardroom. The question is no longer “will the Cardinals keep Donovan,” but when will this blockbuster deal be officially announced — and how much will it change the team’s future?
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