The St. Louis Cardinals appear increasingly likely to move veteran infielder Brendan Donovan as part of their ongoing rebuild, and interest around the league is already picking up. Donovan is expected to draw strong value on the trade market, with several contenders monitoring his availability.
Among the teams linked to Donovan are the San Francisco Giants, who have emerged as a particularly logical destination. ESPN analyst Bradford Doolittle recently projected that St. Louis would ultimately send Donovan to San Francisco, a move that could benefit both franchises.
From the Giants’ perspective, Donovan would fill a clear need at second base while adding lineup flexibility. His strength against right-handed pitching pairs well with existing options, potentially creating a productive platoon in the middle infield. For San Francisco, the fit is as much about balance as it is about production.
For the Cardinals, trading Donovan now would allow them to capitalize on his value rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency next offseason. Moving the veteran would also open opportunities for younger players, helping the organization continue its transition toward the next core.
Donovan’s versatility only increases his appeal. While not an elite defender, he is capable of playing multiple infield spots as well as corner outfield positions, making him a useful piece for a contending roster with postseason aspirations.
Any deal, however, would likely come at a cost for San Francisco. St. Louis would expect a meaningful prospect return for the All-Star infielder, ensuring the trade aligns with their long-term rebuild goals while giving the Giants an immediate boost.