The St. Louis Cardinals weren’t expected to be in the playoff hunt by mid-July. Yet here they are, disrupting expectations like an unexpected guest at an exclusive dinner. With a 51-46 record entering the All-Star break, the Cardinals are just 1.5 games back of the Padres for the final National League Wild Card spot.
They remain 6.5 games behind the Cubs in the NL Central, but that deficit feels surmountable given how wide the playoff race has become. Even so, their spot in the standings doesn’t hide the roster’s lingering issues. This team is battling through noticeable flaws.
That’s why the front office now faces a pivotal decision at the trade deadline: whether to buy in, sell off assets, or try to strike a middle ground.
One player drawing attention outside of St. Louis is All-Star utility man, who has quietly emerged as an ideal trade target for the Houston Astros.
The Astros, firmly positioned atop the AL West, are focused on acquiring a left-handed hitting second baseman as the trade deadline approaches. Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Brendan Donovan is at the top of Houston’s wishlist should the Cardinals choose to become sellers — as highlighted by Cardinals on SI.
Donovan is batting .297 with eight home runs and a .797 OPS, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the season. He also offers exceptional versatility, seamlessly covering second base, third, first, and both corner outfield spots — like a scout’s Swiss Army knife.
Why the Cardinals Might Listen — But Hesitate
This isn’t a short-term rental situation — Brendan Donovan is under team control through 2027 via salary arbitration. That affordable, long-term status makes him especially appealing to a team like Houston, which is looking for impact talent without taking on major salary commitments.
But that’s exactly what makes the Cardinals’ decision so difficult: trading Donovan wouldn’t just mean losing a player — it would mean giving up a piece of the team’s core identity. At 28, Donovan has come to embody the Cardinals’ gritty, versatile approach — serving as the glue holding together an imperfect roster.
And based on his own words, he’s not looking to leave. “I want us to go for it,” Donovan told reporters. “I’m a competitor.”
John Mozeliak’s Last Call?
It’s also important to remember that this will be longtime GM John Mozeliak’s final trade deadline, with Chaim Bloom set to take the reins soon.
That context adds another layer to the equation. Is Mozeliak willing to spend his final months dismantling the roster by dealing key pieces like Brendan Donovan for long-term value?
Or does he gamble on one last postseason run with a gritty, overachieving team that’s exceeded expectations? A trade isn’t off the table — but it would take a significant return and total front-office consensus on the franchise’s path forward.
Fit with Houston Is Tempting — On Paper
There’s no question that Brendan Donovan is exactly the kind of player the Astros have been lacking this season. His elite bat-to-ball ability, disciplined approach at the plate, and defensive versatility would instantly deepen Houston’s lineup.
He’d have a clear path to regular playing time, serving as a plug-and-play option all over the field — a perfect fit for a team that values flexibility. While the Astros are reportedly considering backup plans, Donovan stands out as a top-tier solution to their need for a reliable left-handed presence.
Cardinals Must Define Their Identity First
For now, the spotlight is on St. Louis and the internal debate unfolding behind the scenes: are the Cardinals determined buyers chasing a Wild Card berth, or are they quietly leaning toward a more conservative sell-off?
There’s a middle ground — targeting modest upgrades like bullpen help or bench reinforcements without touching a core piece like Donovan.
But if the team stumbles over the next couple of weeks, the equation could change — particularly if an irresistible offer comes in. It’s a bit like chess: Donovan is the knight they’re reluctant to move, even if it brings them one step closer to checkmate.