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St. Louis Cardinals utility player Brendan Donovan.
There are still some big-name players whose futures are unresolved across MLB. The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to lurk, ready to strike at any moment.
The team filled their biggest need by adding All-Star reliever Edwin Diaz. However, they still have a pretty big need in the outfield. Kyle Tucker is the prize of free agency, but he’s only going to sign at a massive number.
If the Dodgers aren’t keen on giving out another $40+ million a year contract, they could turn their eyes to the trade market. According to Katie Woo and Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, Los Angeles has shown some interest in St. Louis Cardinals utility player Brendan Donovan.
“The Dodgers also remain interested in exploring the trade market, per league sources, and Brendan Donovan remains on their radar,” Woo and Ardaya wrote. “The St. Louis Cardinals’ utility player has been one of the most discussed names on the trade market this winter. And with the Cardinals rebuilding, it’s widely accepted that Donovan will be moved. Donovan primarily played second base for St. Louis last season but has plenty of experience in left field and can slot in at right field or at shortstop.”
Dodgers Still Interested in Tucker & Cody Bellinger
Donovan emerged as an All-Star player in 2025 and is only 28. He’s likely closing in on a big payday in the near future, but right now, he’s only making $5.75 million in 2026. That said, the Dodgers would have to trade away assets to get him.
Woo and Ardaya believe that Tucker is still a player that interests Los Angeles in free agency, and Cody Bellinger is another player they are considering.
“The Dodgers already have an outfield need even before trading Hernández, which means Tucker’s name will remain relevant,” Woo and Ardaya wrote. “The Dodgers are unlikely to offer the 28-year-old a deal over five years, per a source familiar with the club’s thinking. However, Los Angeles would consider a shorter deal of three or four years with a higher annual average value, similar to the deal Alex Bregman signed with the Boston Red Sox last offseason. A reunion with Cody Bellinger also remains on the table, though a long-term signing is unlikely.”
Dodgers Hoping Tommy Edman Can Be Healthy
The Dodgers already have a high-end utility player in Tommy Edman, but he’s been banged up over the last year. He was a superstar for the team during last year’s playoff run, but wasn’t nearly as effective in 2025.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is hopeful that he’ll be able to return to form.
“Tommy’s coming off ankle surgery, our expectations are he’ll be good to go and be able to kick around and play infield and outfield,” Friedman said recently. “You don’t really know that until we’re out in spring training, moving around and seeing how he recovers.
“We’ve got some guys with some positional flexibility. That just opens things up in terms of what exactly we’re targeting and what can fit, which is helpful because that expands the number of possibilities, which increases the chances of lining up on something.”
Austin Boyd has covered the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Lakers for Heavy.com since 2019. A Los Angeles native now based in Las Vegas, his featured work at Heavy includes interviews with NFL stars Darren Waller and Joe Montana, and a behind-the-scenes look at “The Shop.” More about Austin Boyd
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