Astros Showing Interest in Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan as Trade Market Heats Up
The offseason phone lines are buzzing in St. Louis, and one familiar number might be lighting up the Cardinals’ switchboard again. After flirting with a Nolan Arenado deal last winter, the Houston Astros are reportedly circling back-this time with eyes on versatile All-Star Brendan Donovan.
Houston Has Donovan on Their Radar
According to league chatter, Houston is expected to make a push for Donovan, who fits the mold of what the Astros are looking for as they retool their roster. The Royals and Guardians have already been confirmed as suitors, but don’t be surprised if half the league ends up inquiring about the 26-year-old Swiss Army knife. Donovan checks a lot of boxes: he’s affordable, he’s versatile, and he brings a steady presence to the clubhouse-traits that make him one of the more coveted trade chips on the market.
Houston’s interest is rooted in both need and strategy. With Jose Altuve shifting to the outfield in 2025-a major positional change for the longtime franchise cornerstone-the Astros now have a vacancy at second base.
Donovan, who spent most of this past season there for St. Louis, could slide in seamlessly.
But don’t expect him to be locked into just one spot.
A Gold Glove Utility Man With Silver Slugger Potential
Since debuting in 2022, Donovan has built a reputation as one of the game’s most reliable utility men. He’s not a defensive standout at any one position, but his ability to play multiple spots at an above-average level earned him a utility Gold Glove in 2023. That kind of flexibility is exactly what modern contenders crave, and Donovan delivers it with consistency.
Offensively, he’s no slouch either. He was named a finalist for the utility Silver Slugger award this season, ultimately edged out by teammate Alec Burleson-another name that’s been floated in trade talks.
But between the two, Donovan is seen as the more valuable asset in the short term, while Burleson’s age and years of team control make him a more likely candidate to stay put in St. Louis.
Astros Need Value, Cardinals Have Leverage
For Houston, the interest in Donovan also comes down to roster economics. After handing out a hefty contract to first baseman Christian Walker, the Astros are looking to find value elsewhere. Donovan’s team-friendly deal could help balance out their payroll while giving them a plug-and-play piece across the diamond.
But landing him won’t be easy.
St. Louis holds the cards-literally and figuratively.
The team is in a strong negotiating position, with multiple clubs in the mix and several key veterans like Sonny Gray and Nolan Arenado reportedly open to waiving no-trade clauses. That gives new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom plenty of options as he navigates his first offseason at the helm.
A Defining Offseason for St. Louis
The Cardinals aren’t expected to be serious postseason contenders in 2025, but that doesn’t mean this winter lacks importance. Far from it.
The moves made over the next few months will shape the trajectory of the franchise’s rebuild. Whether they choose to cash in on Donovan now or hold out for a better offer, one thing is clear: Bloom’s decisions will set the tone for the next era of Cardinals baseball.
For Houston, it’s a matter of finding the right fit at the right price. And for Donovan, a trade to a perennial contender like the Astros could be the next step in a career that’s already been defined by adaptability, grit, and quiet excellence.
Stay tuned-this one could get interesting fast.
