What If the Cardinals Chose to Build Around Brendan Donovan Rather Than Trade Him?
From the start of the offseason, it has seemed inevitable that the St. Louis Cardinals would explore trading Brendan Donovan, with interest reportedly coming from across the league. While there is still a strong case for maximizing the return on valuable assets like Donovan, it’s worth considering an alternative approach: what if the Cardinals decided to keep him and make him a foundational piece instead of moving him.
To be clear, Chaim Bloom’s early moves have been encouraging. Shedding veteran contracts and stockpiling prospects has been a smart reset strategy, and that approach should likely continue potentially with Nolan Arenado as the next domino. Still, there’s a growing argument that Donovan might be an exception. Two key factors stand out: his versatility and his affordability. Ironically, those same traits are what make him attractive to other teams, but they also make him especially useful during a rebuild.
Bloom has been clear about his offseason objectives: acquire young, controllable pitching, reduce payroll, and create opportunities for top prospects to reach the majors. Those goals have already been advanced through the trades of Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras. Holding onto Donovan wouldn’t undermine any of those plans. His ability to play multiple infield positions and even the outfield means he wouldn’t stand in the way of emerging talents like JJ Wetherholt or other high-end prospects. In fact, his flexibility makes him an ideal fit for a roster still finding its identity.
Financially, Donovan is a bargain. He is projected to earn $5.75 million in 2026, followed by one more arbitration year in 2027, before becoming a free agent in 2028. Turning 29 in mid-January 2026, Donovan should still have several productive seasons ahead. Beyond the numbers, his leadership is difficult to quantify but impossible to ignore. A three-time Heart and Hustle Award winner, Donovan embodies the work ethic and professionalism the organization would want young players to emulate. An extension keeping him in St. Louis through his age-34 season could provide the Cardinals with a steady, All-Star-caliber leader at the center of their next competitive core.
Of course, all the reasons to keep Donovan are the same reasons he carries significant trade value. He’s the type of player nearly every contender would covet. If Bloom receives a truly overwhelming offer, it would make sense to act. The Cardinals have already indicated they won’t move Donovan unless a proposal “blows them away.” Short of that, he could also remain a valuable chip at the trade deadline.
Still, if no blockbuster deal materializes, the idea of building around Donovan becomes increasingly appealing. Should St. Louis choose that path, few fans would object to seeing him remain in a Cardinals uniform for years to come.
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