Red Sox roster move today. Recent reporting from Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic has once again brought trade speculation between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals into the spotlight. According to their report, the two longtime National League and American League franchises have remained in active dialogue, continuing conversations that have stretched across much of the offseason.
While previous talks had centered on pitching and larger roster reshuffles, the newest name to surface in discussions is All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan, a player whose versatility and consistency have made him one of the Cardinals’ most reliable contributors in recent seasons.
The Rosenthal and Sammon report did not outline a completed deal or even a firm framework, but it was enough to spark renewed debate across the baseball world—particularly among analysts who see Donovan as a near-perfect fit for Boston’s current roster construction. One of the most vocal proponents of such a move was Bleacher Report MLB writer Erik Beaston, who used the reporting as a springboard for a forceful argument in favor of the Red Sox aggressively pursuing the Cardinals infielder.
In his column, Beaston emphasized that Donovan may not be a flashy superstar, but he represents something every contending team needs: dependability. Over multiple seasons in St. Louis, Donovan has carved out a reputation as a player who does the small things well, reaches base consistently, and brings stability to whichever defensive position he is asked to play. Beaston highlighted Donovan’s ability to control the strike zone and avoid prolonged slumps, traits that often separate playoff-caliber rosters from those that fall just short.
Statistically, Donovan’s recent performance supports that assessment. During the most recent season referenced, he posted a .287 batting average while contributing 10 home runs and 50 runs batted in across 118 games. While those power numbers may not jump off the page, Beaston argued that they are more than sufficient when paired with Donovan’s on-base skills and defensive reliability.
At second base, Donovan recorded a .990 fielding percentage, a mark that comfortably exceeded the league average of .986. That level of defensive efficiency, combined with his offensive steadiness, paints the picture of a player who raises a team’s overall floor.
Beaston was careful to note that Donovan is not the type of hitter who will anchor the middle of a lineup with 40 or 50 home runs each year. Instead, his value lies in his consistency and his ability to keep rallies alive. He reaches base, works counts, and forces pitchers to labor—attributes that may not always make highlight reels but often prove invaluable over the course of a long season. In Beaston’s view, players like Donovan help good teams become great by providing balance and reducing volatility within the lineup.
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Another major component of Beaston’s argument centered on cost, both in terms of trade assets and payroll flexibility. Compared to higher-profile infielders such as Ketel Marte, Donovan is expected to come at a significantly lower acquisition price. Marte’s contract status and market value would likely require Boston to surrender elite prospects or take on substantial financial commitments. Donovan, by contrast, remains under team control and is still navigating the arbitration process.
Specifically, Donovan has one additional year of arbitration eligibility before reaching free agency in 2028. That timeline would effectively give the Red Sox two full seasons of his services before facing a decision about a long-term extension or exploring alternative options. From a roster-building standpoint, that kind of contractual flexibility is especially appealing for a front office attempting to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term sustainability.
Beaston also pointed out that Donovan’s relatively modest salary would allow Boston to allocate resources elsewhere, whether toward pitching depth, bullpen reinforcements, or future extensions for younger core players. In an era where luxury tax thresholds increasingly influence decision-making, adding a high-impact but cost-controlled player like Donovan could be viewed as a savvy, forward-thinking move.
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Beyond the financial considerations, Beaston framed the potential acquisition as a chemistry-building opportunity. The Red Sox roster move today, like many teams transitioning through roster turnover, have introduced a number of new faces in recent seasons. Integrating a player with Donovan’s reputation for professionalism and adaptability could help stabilize the clubhouse and foster cohesion. Beaston argued that the front office should prioritize moves that encourage continuity and teamwork, rather than chasing only star power.
From a competitive standpoint, the urgency is clear. The American League East remains one of baseball’s most unforgiving divisions, routinely sending multiple teams into playoff contention. Beaston suggested that standing pat or relying solely on internal development may not be enough to keep pace. By acquiring Donovan, the Red Sox would be making a calculated, pragmatic bet—one focused on raising their baseline performance and positioning themselves as legitimate contenders rather than fringe hopefuls.
To fully appreciate Donovan’s appeal, it helps to look back at his development path. Selected in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of the University of South Alabama, Donovan was not initially projected as a future All-Star. His rise through the Cardinals’ system was fueled by plate discipline, positional flexibility, and a relentless work ethic rather than eye-popping raw tools.
That steady progression culminated in his major league debut in 2022, a season that quickly established him as one of the National League’s most impressive newcomers. Donovan finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting, a remarkable achievement for a player drafted outside the early rounds. He also captured the inaugural Utility Gold Glove, a testament to his defensive versatility and excellence across multiple positions.
The following year presented a setback when elbow surgery prematurely ended his 2023 campaign. For some players, such an interruption can derail momentum or permanently diminish effectiveness. Donovan, however, responded with resilience. In 2024, he returned healthier and more productive than ever, setting career highs in games played (153) and hits (163). That rebound season reinforced the notion that his earlier success was no fluke.
Through the 2025 season, Donovan’s cumulative numbers further underscore his consistency. He owns a lifetime batting average of .282, along with 40 home runs, 202 RBIs, and 11.1 Wins Above Replacement. While those totals may not place him among the league’s elite superstars, they reflect a player who consistently provides above-average value on both sides of the ball.
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For the Cardinals, Donovan’s reliability has made him a foundational piece during periods of transition. For the Red Sox, that same reliability could represent a stabilizing force amid ongoing roster evolution. Beaston’s argument ultimately rests on the idea that championships are often won not solely by assembling the most famous names, but by identifying players whose skills align seamlessly with team needs.
In that context, Donovan emerges as a compelling target. He offers defensive flexibility, offensive consistency, cost control, and a proven track record of adapting to new challenges. While the final decision rests with Boston’s front office—and the asking price set by St. Louis—the logic behind pursuing Donovan is difficult to dismiss.
If the Red Sox are serious about competing deep into October and reclaiming their place among baseball’s elite, Beaston believes this is precisely the type of move they should make. Rather than waiting for the perfect superstar to become available, Boston could act decisively, acquire a dependable contributor, and focus on building a cohesive, resilient roster capable of navigating the grind of a loaded division and, ultimately, chasing another World Series championship.
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