The Yankees may have their eyes on a potential outfielder in the trade market, especially if they can’t keep Cody Bellinger.
Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals is gaining traction, and there’s a chance he could be traded as the team shifts direction under president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom.
John Morosi from MLB Network noted that many prominent teams, including the Yankees and Mets, are interested in the 28-year-old.
He commented, “The question isn’t about who wants Donovan; it’s about who doesn’t.” He spoke to a source who mentioned that Donovan is attracting significant interest on the trade market, comparable to other top players.
The Cardinals have struggled lately, missing the playoffs for three consecutive years and finishing with a losing record twice, including this year’s 78-84 performance. They have a storied history, but right now, they’re in a bit of a rut.
Bloom, a former leader with the Red Sox, isn’t looking to completely overhaul the roster. Still, he’s open to offers on key players to steer the team back to championship contention.
Donovan earned the sole All-Star spot for the Cardinals last year, so trading him could yield young talent, aiding the team’s rebuilding efforts. However, Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic indicated that while Donovan is highly valued by the Cardinals, a trade might not happen immediately due to his age and the team’s timeline.
Last year, he made around $2.85 million and has two seasons left before he hits free agency.
He has showcased versatility, playing several positions over his career, and he had a solid season with a .287 batting average and a .755 OPS.
This year’s free agent class is led by Bellinger and Kyle Tucker, but otherwise, it seems a bit thin on game-changers.
The Cardinals might consider trading Donovan to bolster their farm system, which already includes four players with top-100 potential.
Additionally, reports suggest that St. Louis might also be looking to deal veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado.
