The St. Louis Cardinals’ Pivotal Offseason: Trading Brendan Donovan as Part of a Long-Term Vision
The St. Louis Cardinals find themselves at a crucial juncture this offseason—not just because of who they’ve already moved, but because of who they might move next.
Brendan Donovan, fresh off his first All-Star selection and a breakout 2025 campaign, is at the center of this conversation. With a .287/.353/.422 slash line, 10 home runs, and 50 RBIs, Donovan has proven that he’s not just a versatile utility guy—he’s a player entering his prime, and one of the most valuable trade chips the Cardinals have as they reshape their roster for the long haul.
The Front Office’s Clear Intentions
The Cardinals’ front office has already made its intentions clear this offseason. Shipping out veterans like Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray to Boston wasn’t just about clearing payroll—it was about signaling a shift in the team’s approach.
St. Louis is no longer simply patching holes and staying afloat.
The Cardinals are pivoting toward a full-scale retool, with their sights set on the 2027 season and beyond. The decision to possibly trade Donovan, while his value is peaking, makes sense in this context—especially if the return comes from a team like the Seattle Mariners.
This isn’t about waving the white flag or giving up on a playoff berth in the immediate future. Donovan, who’s set to earn a team-friendly $5.75 million in 2026 and still has one more year of arbitration left after that, is exactly the type of player that contenders covet: productive, versatile, and cost-controlled.
But Donovan’s timeline doesn’t align with the Cardinals’ path toward contention. By the time the team is ready to compete for championships again, Donovan could be approaching 30 with diminished trade value—and possibly a looming free agency decision.
That’s what makes a potential deal with Seattle so intriguing.
The Mariners: A Perfect Fit for Donovan
The Mariners are in win-now mode and have one of the deepest farm systems in Major League Baseball. Under the leadership of GM Justin Hollander, Seattle has amassed an impressive collection of young talent that could be the foundation for a sustained contender in the coming years—exactly what St. Louis needs as they look to rebuild.
Donovan’s appeal extends far beyond his impressive stat line. He plays second base, third base, and left field—all with Gold Glove-caliber defense. His versatility and ability to contribute offensively make him an ideal fit for a Mariners team seeking offensive consistency and defensive flexibility.
For Seattle, acquiring Donovan would fill a key gap in their lineup, adding a steady and reliable contributor to their playoff push. Meanwhile, for the Cardinals, the return could be significant, as Seattle is one of the few teams with the prospect depth to make a deal that benefits both sides.
A High-Upside Return: Cijntje and Montes
Two names stand out as potential high-upside prospects that could headline a trade for Donovan: Jarrangelo Cijntje and Lázaro Montes.
Cijntje, ranked No. 90 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100, is a switch-pitching right-hander with a unique and intriguing profile. While his mechanics are still a work in progress, the upside is real—and rare. Cijntje has the potential to develop into a reliable rotation piece, making him an enticing asset for the Cardinals as they look to bolster their pitching depth for the future.
Meanwhile, Lázaro Montes brings serious thunder. Ranked the Mariners’ No. 3 prospect and No. 42 overall by MLB.com before the 2025 season, Montes is a physical force with 30+ home run potential. While his swing-and-miss rate is a concern—his 38% miss rate is hard to ignore—Montes’ 90th percentile exit velocity was the highest among all Mariners minor leaguers last season. This type of raw power doesn’t grow on trees, and if Montes can tighten up his hit tool, he could develop into a middle-of-the-order force for years to come.
The return of these two high-upside prospects would allow St. Louis to continue their rebuild while also adding significant talent to their system—potentially shaping the future of the team for years to come.
A Strategic Play for the Long Haul
This potential move isn’t about giving up on the 2026 season. It’s a strategic play, one that acknowledges Donovan’s value while recognizing the bigger picture. By moving Donovan now—when his stock is at its highest—the Cardinals are positioning themselves for a brighter future.
While fans may feel a sense of loss at the departure of a player like Donovan, this trade would be about securing the team’s future. The reality is that the Cardinals’ timeline to return to contention doesn’t line up with Donovan’s prime years, and moving him now could help speed up the team’s rebuild.
By trading Donovan, the Cardinals have the chance to turn a homegrown All-Star into two high-upside prospects who could anchor the next great St. Louis team. That’s not giving up—it’s building smart and setting the foundation for sustainable success.
Other Teams in the Mix
While the Mariners are an intriguing option, they are far from the only team reportedly interested in Brendan Donovan. Other clubs, including the San Francisco Giants, Cleveland Guardians, and more, have shown interest in acquiring him. This only increases the pressure on St. Louis to make a move soon.
Donovan’s versatility, production, and cost-controlled contract make him an attractive target for several teams, and as the offseason moves forward, the Cardinals will need to decide whether to capitalize on this market or wait until the trade deadline. If they wait too long, they risk a cooler market, especially if Donovan’s production drops or an injury derails his value.
Conclusion: Moving Toward the Future
For the St. Louis Cardinals, moving Brendan Donovan isn’t about waving the white flag on the 2026 season. It’s about acknowledging the realities of their current rebuild and making a smart decision that will position them for long-term success. While it’s tough to part with a talented player who has the potential to be a centerpiece for any team, trading Donovan could accelerate the Cardinals’ retooling process.
If they make the right move now, the Cardinals could turn Donovan’s value into two promising prospects who will be integral pieces of their future. It’s not about giving up—it’s about building the right way, ensuring that the team can return to its winning ways for years to come.
So, while the potential trade of Brendan Donovan may sting in the short term, it could ultimately be the move that accelerates the Cardinals’ path back to contention in the years to come.
