Value Gap Slows Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan Trade Talks
St. Louis is holding out for offers that match its valuation of the player.
Overview
- Talks remain active heading into spring training, but negotiations have decelerated over how teams rate Donovan.
- Industry evaluators identify the Mariners as the cleanest fit if the Cardinals target premium young bats, with the Royals also still interested.
- An active second-base market, with Brandon Lowe already traded and Ketel Marte still available, is influencing Donovan’s market.
- Donovan is under club control for two more seasons, and a potential lockout could affect the second year of that control.
- Teams are weighing his steady production and versatility against metrics such as a 3.2 fWAR peak in 2024, which trails peers like Nico Hoerner and Ketel Marte.