Every Contender Could Use a Donovan

[Talkin' Baseball]

Every contender needs a Brendan Donovan. We all know why. He plays a very good 2B and 3B. He is serviceable in LF and RF. He can fill in for a time at 1B or SS. He can hit up and down the lineup. He has good bat to ball skills with occasional pop. He is also considered to be a good leader and popular clubhouse guy. He is a grinder. He is in his prime. He makes, relatively, a small amount of money and has 2 years of control on his contract. Donovan is about the best insurance a team can have. His presence makes a team less desperate at the trade deadline because he can step into almost any hole they have, whether it is from injury or under-performance. These things are generally considered to be true, not only by Cards fans, but by baseball people in general. Literally every contender would love to have Donovan on their team. And, while he would be a benefit to any of them, for some he would be transformational.

For these reasons, I think the Cardinals should go to market with Brendan Donovan- not as a dump, not to give him away- but to do something that is also transformational to the Cardinals. Donovan is valuable, and because there are so many teams contending that would be interested in him, a team should have to somewhat overpay to end up with Donovan. Many of the teams interested in Donovan have excellent farm systems. Many are in win-now mode. This process should take longer than figuring things out with the no-trade guys, but we should not overplay our hand and stay too long. Teams want him- don’t jack them around- get their best offers and make up your mind.

Contending teams with a strong use for Donovan- Giants, Mariners, Phillies, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, and perhaps the Red Sox.

My favorite target with return- Detroit Tigers. The Tigers were sooo close to making it last year, but came up just short. They had a revolving door at 3B and have lost their All-Star 2B Gleyber Torres to free agency. The Tigers can call up Kevin McGonigle at some point next season to help with the infield, but they could sorely use Donovan. They have stated an emphasis on bat to ball skills, good defense, and getting more than a rental when they trade prospects. Check, check, and check. The Tigers have a deep farm system and the return is the reason they are my favorite target. As the headliner, I want Josue Briceno. I’ve been mentioning him for about six months now. He could become one of our middle of the order bats. He is more athletic and possesses more bat to ball skills than most sluggers. He is a 6’4” 200 lb 1B/C. Briceno hits left-handed and has reached AA in his age 20 season. So far in his minor league career, the Venezuelan carries only an 18.1% K rate along with a 12.8% walk rate. He hit 20 HR this season and has a career .838 OPS. Of his 97 hits this season, 42 of them went for extra bases (43.3%). He is the Tigers #3 prospect and #33 in MLB. The Tigers have Spencer Torkelson at 1B and their #5 prospect is also a first baseman. The second player I am looking for from the Tigers is also a Venezuelan- Franyerber Montilla. The 20 year-old is the Tigers #12 prospect and was playing at A ball until tearing his ACL this season. He will be back at some point in 2026. He is a switch hitter who has played primarily SS and 2B, and scouting reports say he has the arm to play 3B as well. I’m sure he won’t be identical, but could he develop to do some of the things Donovan does for the Cardinals, only more in line with their time frame? It would be reasonable for the Cardinals to request at least one player in addition to these two. Not sure who that should be.

Second favorite team to target and return- Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers last season had a revolving door at 2B, lost Max Muncy for prolonged periods at 3B, and had a black hole in LF. Donovan would have been great for them, and they have expressed interest in him. In return for Donovan I would want Alex Freeland and River Ryan. Freeland is the Dodgers #4 prospect, and the #45 prospect in MLB. He is a switch hitter playing 2B, SS, and 3B. He is 24 years old and touched the majors last year (and didn’t do particularly well). You could have an infield with Wetherholt 2B, Winn SS, and Freeland 3B. River Ryan is a pitcher I would really want. He is 27 and just coming off TJ surgery. He should be ready to go in the spring. He had just been called up to the Dodgers when he blew out his elbow. Ryan has 5 years of team control left and the LA has nowhere to put him in their rotation until their third or fourth pitcher goes on the 60-day IL. They could put him in the bullpen, but what a waste. He has 5 quality pitches in his arsenal. His fastball sits 95-98. His fastball and slider are plus-plus pitches, the curve and cutter are rated as plus, and he also throws an average changeup. He is rated #9 in the Dodgers system. He could possibly pitch in the Cardinals major league rotation from the start of the season. The Cards are in a position to wait for him to get right. The Dodgers will spare no expense going for a 3-peat. Donovan would be an awesome weapon for them.

Third favorite destination- Seattle Mariners. Like the Tigers, they were oh so close this season. The Mariners farm system is deep in high end talent. They have 8 top 100 prospects in MLB. They could produce a worthwhile package.

[Jatalk]

So why trade him? Young. Relatively cheap. I’m not convinced the return in a trade is more benefit from him being on the roster. But I would listen to all offers.

[sikeston bulldog2]

So why trade him? Young. Relatively cheap. I’m not convinced the return in a trade is more benefit from him being on the roster. But I would listen to all offers.

Young and cheap good in clubhouse. What could you possibly get that bets you a bigger producer. I know you gotta give to get.

[ramfandan]

So why trade him? Young. Relatively cheap. I’m not convinced the return in a trade is more benefit from him being on the roster. But I would listen to all offers.

Saying don’t Jack them around & get their best offer and then decide sounds good but teams do not operate that way.
Cardinals may be eyeing prospect A and trading team saying No not him but will give prospect B
To finalize deal Bloom could counter we must really have prospect A so we will add prospect M to you if you put A player in deal.
Though fans like to think offers are take it or leave it final offers, that is rarely the case. GM’s are always tweaking deals.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Everyone is pretty adamant that they want a middle of the order bat, or a top of the rotation starter until it comes time to pay for them with player, prospects, or cash. I don't have a problem if the Cardinals extend Donovan, but if they don't he should go.

[ScotchMIrish]

Donovan is a great trade chip but then who plays 3B if we move Arenado? Gorman?

Discuss the downside also. With Donovan we play him at 3B and the Wetherholt 2B or vice versa.

[sikeston bulldog2]

Everyone is pretty adamant that they want a middle of the order bat, or a top of the rotation starter until it comes time to pay for them with player, prospects, or cash. I don't have a problem if the Cardinals extend Donovan, but if they don't he should go.

His flexibility is key for me. Not only is he a utility player he is GG caliber at those positions. He fills to many temporary holes plus a key position- third maybe, too.

His return to me won’t have the value given away. That MOTB will have to be an FA or a Walker type. I know, deep kimshee.

[redbirdfan51]

No doubt Donovan is the Cardinals most valuable asset in getting the best return in a trade. Bloom has to at least explore that opportunity.

[HorseTrader]

Everyone is pretty adamant that they want a middle of the order bat, or a top of the rotation starter until it comes time to pay for them with player, prospects, or cash. I don't have a problem if the Cardinals extend Donovan, but if they don't he should go.

His flexibility is key for me. Not only is he a utility player he is GG caliber at those positions. He fills to many temporary holes plus a key position- third maybe, too.

His return to me won’t have the value given away. That MOTB will have to be an FA or a Walker type. I know, deep kimshee.

Bulldog, I'd add that once Arenado, Willie and Gray are traded, Donovan is the only leader I see on the team. I'd hate to see him traded but if he brings back a package like the OP is talking about, I think the Cards need to really consider it.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Donovan is a great trade chip but then who plays 3B if we move Arenado? Gorman?

Discuss the downside also. With Donovan we play him at 3B and the Wetherholt 2B or vice versa.

In the example with the Dodgers, Alex Freeland would. If it's a different trade, it will be someone else. Not an insurmountable problem. You just have to make sure the return is worth the questions it creates.

[ecleme22]

Donovan is a great trade chip but then who plays 3B if we move Arenado? Gorman?

Discuss the downside also. With Donovan we play him at 3B and the Wetherholt 2B or vice versa.

In the example with the Dodgers, Alex Freeland would. If it's a different trade, it will be someone else. Not an insurmountable problem. You just have to make sure the return is worth the questions it creates.

Cards should trade BD for the best prospect return possible.

If BD’s absence from the roster creates a hole, you can fill it via FA with a 1yr contract for a 3b.

[ScotchMIrish]

Donovan is a great trade chip but then who plays 3B if we move Arenado? Gorman?

Discuss the downside also. With Donovan we play him at 3B and the Wetherholt 2B or vice versa.

In the example with the Dodgers, Alex Freeland would. If it's a different trade, it will be someone else. Not an insurmountable problem. You just have to make sure the return is worth the questions it creates.

Cards should trade BD for the best prospect return possible.

If BD’s absence from the roster creates a hole, you can fill it via FA with a 1yr contract for a 3b.

What free agent third basemen willing to take a one year contract are available?

[TraveledLessRoad]

Donovan would be a PERFECT fit for Kansas City. He's cheap, versatile, and controlled for two more years. He's literally exactly what they need. They (KC) have also been rumored to be considering a trade of Kris Bubic. To me, that's a fair one for one trade. The Cards would have Bubic controlled for next season before he hits free agency. Gives us a year to decide where we think we are as an organization, and get first crack at offering him a longer term contract from 27 and beyond.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Donovan would be a PERFECT fit for Kansas City. He's cheap, versatile, and controlled for two more years. He's literally exactly what they need. They (KC) have also been rumored to be considering a trade of Kris Bubic. To me, that's a fair one for one trade. The Cards would have Bubic controlled for next season before he hits free agency. Gives us a year to decide where we think we are as an organization, and get first crack at offering him a longer term contract from 27 and beyond.

Bubic is a good pitcher, but his contract status doesn't fit at all with what the Cardinals are trying to do.

[ecleme22]

Donovan is a great trade chip but then who plays 3B if we move Arenado? Gorman?

Discuss the downside also. With Donovan we play him at 3B and the Wetherholt 2B or vice versa.

In the example with the Dodgers, Alex Freeland would. If it's a different trade, it will be someone else. Not an insurmountable problem. You just have to make sure the return is worth the questions it creates.

Cards should trade BD for the best prospect return possible.

If BD’s absence from the roster creates a hole, you can fill it via FA with a 1yr contract for a 3b.

What free agent third basemen willing to take a one year contract are available?

Luis Urías (29, 0.3)
Gio Urshela (34, 0.3)
Ildemaro Vargas (34, 0.2)
Jon Berti (36, -0.2)

[Dicktar2023]

Donovan is a great trade chip but then who plays 3B if we move Arenado? Gorman?

Discuss the downside also. With Donovan we play him at 3B and the Wetherholt 2B or vice versa.

Which is why they won't move both Arenado and Gorman. And why an Arenado deal might not be the forgone conclusion everyone thinks it is.