The St. Louis Cardinals are seemingly entering a rebuild this offseason, and they’ve already made their first big move.
Sonny Gray was traded to the Boston Red Sox earlier this offseason in a deal that landed the Cardinals a solid return of prospects. They could look to trade veteran infielder Brendan Donovan in a huge deal next.
Patrick McAvoy of St. Louis Cardinals OnSi predicted the Cardinals would trade Donovan to the Tampa Bay Rays in the coming weeks.
“Bear with me for a second. The Rays just traded an All-Star infielder,” McAvoy wrote. “Why add another? (Brandon) Lowe had his $11.5 million club option picked up for 2026 and will be a free agent after. Donovan is cost-controlled for two seasons. It has been rumored that the Cardinals want multiple top prospects for Donovan.
“The Rays acquired Anderson Brito in the Lowe trade, who is now Tampa Bay’s No. 6-ranked prospect. Tampa Bay also has right-handed pitcher Brody Hopkins as the team’s No. 3 prospect. If the Cardinals could poach either plus an offensive prospect, it should have the Cardinals’ attention.”
The Rays traded away a star infielder and landed some solid prospects in return. They could replace Lowe, whom they traded, with Donovan.
Donovan would be a solid option for the Rays if they’re still looking to contend. It might not make sense for them to trade away a slew of prospects, but if they feel like they could re-sign the All-Star, the front office might look to take the shot.
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