In a move that is both bold and ambitious, the Cubs are reportedly preparing to “bomb” the offseason transfer market: they want to bring Brendan Donovan — one of the most valuable utility men in MLB right now — to Chicago. According to analysis from the sports media, this could be a trade that will leave the Cardinals and both teams’ fans breathless.
If the deal goes through, the Cubs will receive Donovan — who can hit first in the lineup, has a high on-base, multi-position defense — and the Cardinals will get a package of bright prospects and young pitchers: namely, OF Kevin Alcántara, RHP Brandon Birdsell, RHP Will Sanders, and 2B James Triantos.
This is considered a “fair trade” that both teams can accept — with the Cubs gaining offensive power, and the Cardinals receiving a long-term future.
Donovan has the ability to hit consistently, control the strike zone well, and has few strikeouts — something any competing team would want.
He is also “versatile” on the field: he can play 2B, 3B, and outfield — making it easy for the coach to rotate the lineup and avoid burnout after a long season.
With 2 years of team-controlled contract left before free agency, Donovan is not a short-term “rental” — but a long-term asset, reasonably priced, suitable for the Cubs’ salary structure.
With those factors, the media calls Donovan the “Swiss Army Knife” — a comprehensive Swiss Army knife that any competing team would want to own.
With the current lineup and long-term rebuilding direction, the decision to let Donovan go can be considered “painful but necessary”. The Cardinals are looking to bolster their pitching staff — which the Cubs’ proposed trade package brings: two young pitchers, plus a power-hitting prospect.
Plus, with the arrival of internal prospects (according to team insiders), the Cardinals can be confident about the future.
However, the risk cannot be overlooked: losing Donovan could immediately weaken the lineup — he’s still an All-Star, a versatile, consistent player — and the fans are likely to object.
If the trade happens:
The Cubs would immediately add a rare layer of stability — a batting order that can control the ball, multiple positions, and protect the lineup from days when power-hitting doesn’t work. They could improve turnout OBP & defense — two important factors in a playoff race.
The Cardinals, despite the short-term loss, can “refresh” the organization: increase pitching + add prospects — looking ahead 2–3 years, when they are ready to retake the “wheel” of the NL Central.
For both sides, this is not just a trade — it is how they shape their future, financially and strategically.
Will the prospects the Cubs have offered be enough to fill the gap left by Donovan — both offensively and defensively?
Can the Cardinals wait for those prospects to develop as expected, or is the risk of “failure” still present?
Most importantly: Can Donovan — who is beloved by all of St. Louis — accept leaving without causing major controversy in the locker room & fanbase?
The winter of 2025–2026 promises to be more chaotic than ever for both the Cubs and Cardinals. All eyes are on the front offices of both teams, waiting for a switch to be pushed — a trade that could shake up the NL and reshape the outlook for the 2026 season.
If the trade goes through: the Dodgers might not be the biggest enemy for the Cubs — but the biggest bang for the buck for the Cardinals.
If it doesn’t — Donovan could be the final piece of the puzzle that keeps Chicago racing toward the top.
The moment is coming… And baseball — it’s always been a game of bold strategic moves.
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