Breaking: Cardinals to trade All-Star second baseman to AL powerhouse

The St. Louis Cardinals have made it very clear that they have no intention of trading All-Star, a key part of their roster.

That said, it hasn’t stopped other teams from expressing interest.

Dealing Him would be a crushing blow to Cardinals fans. Over the past three seasons, he’s been a vital presence, both as a consistent performer and as a leader. With a career slash line of .284/.364/.413 and an OPS+ of 118, He has elevated his game even further this season, hitting .296/.364/.433 with a 123 OPS+.

 

 

His ability to play multiple defensive positions adds to his exceptional value, making him one of the most indispensable players on the team.

Would the St. Louis Cardinals actually consider trading All-Star second baseman Brendan Donovan?

John Heyman recently floated the idea on Twitter/X that Brendan Donovan could be on the trade block, initially suggesting a potential deal with the New York Yankees. However, with the Yankees having just acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon, their interest in Donovan may have cooled—though it doesn’t entirely rule them out of the picture.

Heyman also mentioned the Houston Astros as another possible suitor, an idea echoed and expanded on by Cardinals beat writer John Denton. Denton suggested that top prospect JJ Wetherholt could potentially step in for Donovan if a trade happens. But it’s not a straightforward swap—Wetherholt, the 2024 draft pick, is performing well in Triple-A Memphis, yet still needs more development before reaching the majors.

Donovan brings a unique blend of leadership, versatility, and consistent performance. He’s been a critical part of the Cardinals both on and off the field, making any trade involving him a significant move.

For the Astros, acquiring Donovan would likely mean shifting Jose Altuve out of left field—where he’s struggled defensively—and slotting Donovan at second base or potentially third. Currently, Houston is using rookie Brice Matthews at second.

The Cardinals would require a compelling return to consider parting with Donovan, likely in the form of a major-league-ready, top-of-the-rotation starter. Houston’s rotation includes Framber Valdez—an impending free agent—and Hunter Brown, who is considered untouchable. Injured right-hander Christian Javier might be a candidate, but St. Louis would want to see him healthy before making any decisions.

The Astros’ farm system isn’t particularly deep. Their top prospect, Brice Matthews, plays a position where the Cardinals already have depth. Outfielder Jacob Melton, a lefty bat with solid Triple-A numbers, has had limited success in the majors so far. Right-hander Miguel Ullola, who’s showing promise in Triple-A with a high strikeout rate and a mid-90s fastball, could be of interest—but likely wouldn’t be enough alone to land Donovan.

While it remains unlikely that the Cardinals will move Brendan Donovan, exploring his trade value could help them land a controllable, high-impact starter. Buckle up, Cardinals fans—things could get interesting.