SPORTZONE27

 

Halfway through July, it wasn’t anticipated that the St. Louis Cardinals would be considering the MLB postseason.

Rather, like an unexpected guest at a private dinner party, they have interrupted the story. The Cardinals are 1.5 games behind the Padres for the last NL Wild Card, with a 51-46 record going into the All-Star break.

In the NL Central, they are 6.5 games behind the Cubs, but given how easily the door has opened, that difference seems to be manageable.

However, the Cardinals’ rankings position hasn’t eliminated the roster’s inherent flaws. This group is working hard despite its shortcomings.

Because of this, the front office is at a crossroads, determining whether to buy, sell, or split the difference when the time comes.

Astros Eyeing Donovan as a Deadline Fix

Brendan Donovan, an All-Star utility man who has quietly developed into a Houston ideal fit, is one player drawing attention outside of St. Louis.

A left-handed second baseman is the Astros’ top need before the trade deadline, given they lead the AL West by a wide margin.

As Cardinals on SI pointed out, if the Cardinals decide to sell, Houston has Donovan at the top of their wish list, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Donovan has made consistency an art this season, hitting.297 with eight home runs and a.797 OPS.

Additionally, he is versatile, playing corner outfield, first base, third base, and second base like a scout’s pocket switchblade.

Why the Cardinals Might Listen — But Hesitate

This scenario isn’t one of renting. Through salary arbitration, Brendan Donovan will remain under team control until 2027.

He is particularly useful to a team like Houston, which requires effect without going over budget, because of his team-friendly nature.

The Cardinals’ problem, however, is that selling Donovan means giving up their identity rather than merely trading a player.

The 28-year-old has come to represent their tough, flexible style of play, which serves as the glue holding together a group that has flaws.

Donovan doesn’t seem like a player who is prepared to leave the game. He told reporters, “I want us to go for it.” “I am a rival.”

John Mozeliak’s Last Call?

It’s also important to remember that longstanding general manager John Mozeliak will be leaving soon, and Chaim Bloom will take over, thus this trade deadline is his last.

That background is important. Would Mozeliak use his remaining time to liquidate key players like Donovan in order to increase his future worth?

Or does he take a chance on a final postseason run with a team that has exceeded expectations despite its flaws?

A trade might still occur, but it would need a significant return and complete front-office agreement over the team’s course.

Fit with Houston Is Tempting — On Paper

Brendan Donovan is unquestionably the kind of guy the Astros have been lacking this season.

Donovan’s versatility, plate discipline, and bat-to-ball abilities would instantly expand Houston’s lineup.

Donovan can be a piece who plays all over the diamond for Houston, so his route to daily at-bats is obvious.

According to reports, the Astros are also looking into backup options, but Donovan is a high-end solution for their lefty-heavy void.

Cardinals Must Define Their Identity First

 

 

But for the time being, everyone’s attention is on St. Louis’ internal conflict. Are they buyers who are holding onto their Wild Card? Or sellers who are wary?

Without giving up a star like Donovan, they might look for more minor improvements like middle relief or bench depth.

However, the calculus may change if they fail within the next two weeks, particularly if the return is too good to pass up.

Comparable to a game of chess, they may be reluctant to move Donovan, even if checkmate is imminent.