As the St. Louis Cardinals gear up for a much-needed rebuild, trading one of their core players, Brendan Donovan, to the Oakland Athletics could provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen their farm system.
The Athletics have shown offensive potential but still have major holes to fill before the offseason—particularly at second and third base. That’s where Donovan, the 28-year-old Cardinals infielder, could make an immediate impact.
Set to enter his second year of arbitration in 2026 with a projected $5.4 million salary, Donovan is coming off a strong season in which he hit .307 with a .366 on-base percentage, 10 home runs, and two stolen bases. His 128 wRC+ suggests he was 28% better than the league average at the plate, highlighting his consistency and offensive value.
Defensively, Donovan grades out as roughly league average at second base, providing steady, reliable play in the field. That balance of solid defense and quality offense could make him an ideal fit for an Athletics team seeking stability in its infield.
For St. Louis, moving Donovan would be a calculated move—trading a proven big leaguer for a package of young talent to accelerate their rebuild. Adding high-upside prospects would help the Cardinals retool for sustained future success.
Meanwhile, Oakland would land a versatile, productive infielder who could immediately upgrade their lineup and bring leadership to a young roster. Donovan’s blend of hitting ability and defensive reliability makes him an appealing addition as the A’s look to become more competitive.
Ultimately, a Brendan Donovan trade could prove mutually beneficial—fueling the Cardinals’ long-term plans while helping the Athletics address key roster needs. As the offseason nears, this potential deal could be an early sign of the shakeups to come across Major League Baseball.
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