Why Donovan Isn’t A Good Winter Trade Piece

[ecleme22]

I think you all will be disappointed

I could see that- expectations are pretty high.

He will get a solid return based on his modest contract and versatility.

But the return will most likely feature non-household names. So CT will [redacted].

[Melville]

No team needs Donovan more than STL does.
The CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to keep him at least until July and extend him before then if possible.
He needs to move to LF and act as depth insurance at 3b/2b/SS for at least the first 100 games in 2026.
STL should float Mootbaar, Walker, Romero, Bernal, Mathews, Hence, Saggese as trade pieces.
Put together a package from that group to acquire the RH outfield bat I alone have been correctly calling for each and every year over the past decade.
But, it seems Bloom is dead set on doing the wrong thing and appears on the verge of moving Donovan.
It will be his 2nd significant mistake.
That said, he has made some good moves so far and I cannot reasonably expect him or anyone to match my own record of performance in analyzing the best course of action.
Let's see what happens.

What level of RHH are you targeting? Matthews and Bernal have a lot of upside so we’d need a commensurate return. Andy Pages?

Also what was Blooms first mistake ? Oli?

Your insight is amazingly intuitive - on both points.

[Melville]

No team needs Donovan more than STL does.
The CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to keep him at least until July and extend him before then if possible.
He needs to move to LF and act as depth insurance at 3b/2b/SS for at least the first 100 games in 2026.
STL should float Mootbaar, Walker, Romero, Bernal, Mathews, Hence, Saggese as trade pieces.
Put together a package from that group to acquire the RH outfield bat I alone have been correctly calling for each and every year over the past decade.
But, it seems Bloom is dead set on doing the wrong thing and appears on the verge of moving Donovan.
It will be his 2nd significant mistake.
That said, he has made some good moves so far and I cannot reasonably expect him or anyone to match my own record of performance in analyzing the best course of action.
Let's see what happens.

Always enjoy hearing your take on things, but we are far, far apart on this one.

A position with which I am quite familiar.
Ultimately, folks nearly always come around.

[Melville]

No team needs Donovan more than STL does.
The CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to keep him at least until July and extend him before then if possible.
He needs to move to LF and act as depth insurance at 3b/2b/SS for at least the first 100 games in 2026.
STL should float Mootbaar, Walker, Romero, Bernal, Mathews, Hence, Saggese as trade pieces.
Put together a package from that group to acquire the RH outfield bat I alone have been correctly calling for each and every year over the past decade.
But, it seems Bloom is dead set on doing the wrong thing and appears on the verge of moving Donovan.
It will be his 2nd significant mistake.
That said, he has made some good moves so far and I cannot reasonably expect him or anyone to match my own record of performance in analyzing the best course of action.
Let's see what happens.

Bernal should be the catcher of the future. Herrera can be the RF bat they need in the OF. They still need another bat after that. I don't tknow that any of the other pieces you suggest get said bat because they are all depth pieces. The reason to trade Donovan is you might get two shots at a bat prospect, for example getting both Montoya and Montes from Seattle if the Cards include Romero in that deal. I am also fine with the Cards keeping Donovan. In which case, they will need to add via the free agent route since their OF prospects outside of Josh Baez are terrible.

Yes - Herrera needs to move to another position - I have been saying that for 4 seasons.
Like it or not, Bernal is the expendable catcher.
Crooks is next up and Rodriguez in on the way.
The best way to acquire young, controlled, quality players is to trade a young, controlled, quality player.
Bernal is that guy.

[Talkin' Baseball]

No team needs Donovan more than STL does.
The CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to keep him at least until July and extend him before then if possible.
He needs to move to LF and act as depth insurance at 3b/2b/SS for at least the first 100 games in 2026.
STL should float Mootbaar, Walker, Romero, Bernal, Mathews, Hence, Saggese as trade pieces.
Put together a package from that group to acquire the RH outfield bat I alone have been correctly calling for each and every year over the past decade.
But, it seems Bloom is dead set on doing the wrong thing and appears on the verge of moving Donovan.
It will be his 2nd significant mistake.
That said, he has made some good moves so far and I cannot reasonably expect him or anyone to match my own record of performance in analyzing the best course of action.
Let's see what happens.

Always enjoy hearing your take on things, but we are far, far apart on this one.

A position with which I am quite familiar.
Ultimately, folks nearly always come around.

I suspect time will be unkind to you on these points.

[ScotchMIrish]

I will disagree 100% with the OP. Donovan improves every team in baseball. No he is not the #3 hitter with 40 HR power. No he is not the Skubal ace pitcher. Those would bring a huge haul in trade. But Donovan day to day improves every team in baseball.

Every potential challenger for a title in 2026-2027 is improved at low cost adding Donovan. That cost part matters to most teams. And the longer they have him the more value he brings. Waiting until the break is a big mistake. There is no indication that he will suddenly break out and add value. There is more chance he will have a slow 1st half or get injured. I expect none of the above I expect the same level of performance.

They need to cash him in before spring training starts. I don't expect a "haul" but I do expect a prospect with a high ceiling and a wild card or two in return. This is the smart move. IMO.

I agree he would help every team in baseball including the Cardinals. If they can't get good return then keep him.

[Melville]

No team needs Donovan more than STL does.
The CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to keep him at least until July and extend him before then if possible.
He needs to move to LF and act as depth insurance at 3b/2b/SS for at least the first 100 games in 2026.
STL should float Mootbaar, Walker, Romero, Bernal, Mathews, Hence, Saggese as trade pieces.
Put together a package from that group to acquire the RH outfield bat I alone have been correctly calling for each and every year over the past decade.
But, it seems Bloom is dead set on doing the wrong thing and appears on the verge of moving Donovan.
It will be his 2nd significant mistake.
That said, he has made some good moves so far and I cannot reasonably expect him or anyone to match my own record of performance in analyzing the best course of action.
Let's see what happens.

Always enjoy hearing your take on things, but we are far, far apart on this one.

A position with which I am quite familiar.
Ultimately, folks nearly always come around.

I suspect time will be unkind to you on these points.

With a 95%+ accuracy rate, I like my odds.
It doesn't hurt that I am already proven right on one of these two.
But enough of that.
Merry Christmas.

[ecleme22]

No team needs Donovan more than STL does.
The CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to keep him at least until July and extend him before then if possible.
He needs to move to LF and act as depth insurance at 3b/2b/SS for at least the first 100 games in 2026.
STL should float Mootbaar, Walker, Romero, Bernal, Mathews, Hence, Saggese as trade pieces.
Put together a package from that group to acquire the RH outfield bat I alone have been correctly calling for each and every year over the past decade.
But, it seems Bloom is dead set on doing the wrong thing and appears on the verge of moving Donovan.
It will be his 2nd significant mistake.
That said, he has made some good moves so far and I cannot reasonably expect him or anyone to match my own record of performance in analyzing the best course of action.
Let's see what happens.

Hot take, brother.

Look forward to seeing what happens. Merry Christmas!

[Ronnie Dobbs]

He will get a solid return based on his modest contract and versatility.

But the return will most likely feature non-household names. So CT will [redacted].

I think this is the correct take. Unless they trade for a 22 year old who is already an MLB ace level starter, we're going to hear a lot of (bleep).

[sikeston bulldog2]

There is about 390 position players on the 26 man. Each team has contracts and all on about 7 of those players. Locked down. Cant move unless traded. Then NTC.

Leaves a pool of 180 ish players that 30 teams are attempting to take the best 6 to make their 13 position players. That pool is shallow.

[Talkin' Baseball]

No team needs Donovan more than STL does.
The CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to keep him at least until July and extend him before then if possible.
He needs to move to LF and act as depth insurance at 3b/2b/SS for at least the first 100 games in 2026.
STL should float Mootbaar, Walker, Romero, Bernal, Mathews, Hence, Saggese as trade pieces.
Put together a package from that group to acquire the RH outfield bat I alone have been correctly calling for each and every year over the past decade.
But, it seems Bloom is dead set on doing the wrong thing and appears on the verge of moving Donovan.
It will be his 2nd significant mistake.
That said, he has made some good moves so far and I cannot reasonably expect him or anyone to match my own record of performance in analyzing the best course of action.
Let's see what happens.

Always enjoy hearing your take on things, but we are far, far apart on this one.

A position with which I am quite familiar.
Ultimately, folks nearly always come around.

I suspect time will be unkind to you on these points.

With a 95%+ accuracy rate, I like my odds.
It doesn't hurt that I am already proven right on one of these two.
But enough of that.
Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you too.

[TheSolution]

That may be how you feel but I think the baseball world looks at Donovan a little bit differently. No one says he’s an Aaron Judge or a Shohei Ohtani but there’s obviously a market for a player of Donovan’s pedigree. I’m as anxious as anyone to see how his market unfolds. I think now is the perfect time to move him IF that’s what the Cardinals want to do.

The thing is that the Cardinals don’t have to move him if they don’t want to. They put a value on him and if someone meets it great and if they can’t get what they think he’s worth then they don’t have to move him.

I mostly believe that if you are going to move a player, the winter is the best time while your options aren’t limited. I do think that with no deadlines that things sometimes drag on longer than we would like. My only question is will the Cardinals be able to get what they think he’s worth.

You’re not smart eh

There is significant market for Donovan rn

But ideally a player like Donovan becomes available at the deadline bc if his versatility and lack of star power, the combo makes him a much better piece to move when desperation and positional flexibility adds to his value

[2ninr]

No team needs Donovan more than STL does.
The CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to keep him at least until July and extend him before then if possible.
He needs to move to LF and act as depth insurance at 3b/2b/SS for at least the first 100 games in 2026.
STL should float Mootbaar, Walker, Romero, Bernal, Mathews, Hence, Saggese as trade pieces.
Put together a package from that group to acquire the RH outfield bat I alone have been correctly calling for each and every year over the past decade.
But, it seems Bloom is dead set on doing the wrong thing and appears on the verge of moving Donovan.
It will be his 2nd significant mistake.
That said, he has made some good moves so far and I cannot reasonably expect him or anyone to match my own record of performance in analyzing the best course of action.
Let's see what happens.

Bernal should be the catcher of the future. Herrera can be the RF bat they need in the OF. They still need another bat after that. I don't tknow that any of the other pieces you suggest get said bat because they are all depth pieces. The reason to trade Donovan is you might get two shots at a bat prospect, for example getting both Montoya and Montes from Seattle if the Cards include Romero in that deal. I am also fine with the Cards keeping Donovan. In which case, they will need to add via the free agent route since their OF prospects outside of Josh Baez are terrible.

Yes - Herrera needs to move to another position - I have been saying that for 4 seasons.
Like it or not, Bernal is the expendable catcher.
Crooks is next up and Rodriguez in on the way.
The best way to acquire young, controlled, quality players is to trade a young, controlled, quality player.
Bernal is that guy.

Consistency is your calling card Mel. We have to get an above average ml catcher out of the cache of prospects we have. Bernal is the best defensively and a switch hitter. Rain Rod is likely to switch positions. I just don't see them gambling with a current strength that is young cost controlled and high ceiling. I don't disagree that we are going to need a rh corner outfielder. But I think it's a buy when we start spending again. Merry Christmas Mel

[Melville]

No team needs Donovan more than STL does.
The CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to keep him at least until July and extend him before then if possible.
He needs to move to LF and act as depth insurance at 3b/2b/SS for at least the first 100 games in 2026.
STL should float Mootbaar, Walker, Romero, Bernal, Mathews, Hence, Saggese as trade pieces.
Put together a package from that group to acquire the RH outfield bat I alone have been correctly calling for each and every year over the past decade.
But, it seems Bloom is dead set on doing the wrong thing and appears on the verge of moving Donovan.
It will be his 2nd significant mistake.
That said, he has made some good moves so far and I cannot reasonably expect him or anyone to match my own record of performance in analyzing the best course of action.
Let's see what happens.

Bernal should be the catcher of the future. Herrera can be the RF bat they need in the OF. They still need another bat after that. I don't tknow that any of the other pieces you suggest get said bat because they are all depth pieces. The reason to trade Donovan is you might get two shots at a bat prospect, for example getting both Montoya and Montes from Seattle if the Cards include Romero in that deal. I am also fine with the Cards keeping Donovan. In which case, they will need to add via the free agent route since their OF prospects outside of Josh Baez are terrible.

Yes - Herrera needs to move to another position - I have been saying that for 4 seasons.
Like it or not, Bernal is the expendable catcher.
Crooks is next up and Rodriguez in on the way.
The best way to acquire young, controlled, quality players is to trade a young, controlled, quality player.
Bernal is that guy.

Consistency is your calling card Mel. We have to get an above average ml catcher out of the cache of prospects we have. Bernal is the best defensively and a switch hitter. Rain Rod is likely to switch positions. I just don't see them gambling with a current strength that is young cost controlled and high ceiling. I don't disagree that we are going to need a rh corner outfielder. But I think it's a buy when we start spending again. Merry Christmas Mel

Merry Christmas.

[Hofikebrucee]

No team needs Donovan more than STL does.
The CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is to keep him at least until July and extend him before then if possible.
He needs to move to LF and act as depth insurance at 3b/2b/SS for at least the first 100 games in 2026.
STL should float Mootbaar, Walker, Romero, Bernal, Mathews, Hence, Saggese as trade pieces.
Put together a package from that group to acquire the RH outfield bat I alone have been correctly calling for each and every year over the past decade.
But, it seems Bloom is dead set on doing the wrong thing and appears on the verge of moving Donovan.
It will be his 2nd significant mistake.
That said, he has made some good moves so far and I cannot reasonably expect him or anyone to match my own record of performance in analyzing the best course of action.
Let's see what happens.

What level of RHH are you targeting? Matthews and Bernal have a lot of upside so we’d need a commensurate return. Andy Pages?

Also what was Blooms first mistake ? Oli?

You think Andy Pages would be a fair return for BD? No way they make that trade.

[Cardinals1964]

I will disagree 100% with the OP. Donovan improves every team in baseball. No he is not the #3 hitter with 40 HR power. No he is not the Skubal ace pitcher. Those would bring a huge haul in trade. But Donovan day to day improves every team in baseball.

Every potential challenger for a title in 2026-2027 is improved at low cost adding Donovan. That cost part matters to most teams. And the longer they have him the more value he brings. Waiting until the break is a big mistake. There is no indication that he will suddenly break out and add value. There is more chance he will have a slow 1st half or get injured. I expect none of the above I expect the same level of performance.

They need to cash him in before spring training starts. I don't expect a "haul" but I do expect a prospect with a high ceiling and a wild card or two in return. This is the smart move. IMO.

Donovan would certainly improve any team in baseball. But, wouldn’t any of our starters improve any team in baseball? If all of our starting position players would not improve any team, this team is really in need of a rebuild.