#brendan-donovan

#brendan-donovan

Brendan Donovan's name has been mentioned in trade rumors for a couple of years now, but with the Cardinals moving into a full-on rebuild mode this winter, it has seemed like only a matter of time before the versatile All-Star is dealt. That said, it isn't a guarantee that another club will meet what is reportedly a high asking price on the Cards' part, and Donovan won't necessarily remain on the market forever.

Brendan Donovan is a utility player (primarily second baseman) who plays for the St. Louis Cardinals. About to turn 29 on January 16, he was born in Germany while his father was stationed there, and grew up an Army brat, moving around. He's credited that upbringing for forging his team-first mentality, his desire to always do the right thing, and his willingness to work hard.

GM Mike Hazen made waves yesterday in that corner of the market, however, when he noted that he plans to put an end to conversations regarding a Marte trade in the near future. Hazen's suggestion was that the club simply pulling Marte off the table for negotiations was a more likely outcome than a trade coming together at this point. That's been Hazen's stance all throughout the offseason, as he has long said he didn't foresee Arizona dealing a star player this winter.

"St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, who already has traded right-hander Sonny Gray and first baseman Willson Contreras to the Boston Red Sox, might not be done dealing with his former club," Rosenthal and Sammon wrote. "The Cardinals and Red Sox also have discussed a trade that would send infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan to Boston, according to people briefed on the conversations. Donovan likely would play second base for the Red Sox, who have also been linked to the Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte.

It is believed that the Dodgers are looking to add an outfielder this offseason, and while Donovan has primarily appeared at second base in his career, he can play either of the corner spots. The Dodgers want to get more athletic in the outfield, and with rumors swirling of a possible Teoscar Hernández trade, Donovan would help the team accomplish that goal.

Cardinals infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan figures to be one of the most sought after trade candidates this offseason. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Royals and Guardians are two of the clubs interested in acquiring him. Goold also mentions that the Yankees and Dodgers had interest prior to the deadline, which perhaps indicates they would be interested again.

Donovan is hitting .279/.348/.402 across 476 plate appearances, with nine homers and 25 doubles, showcasing his contact skills after moving to the top of the lineup.