The St. Louis Cardinals weren’t expected to contend for the postseason this deep into July. Yet at 51-46 going into the All-Star break, they sit just 1.5 games behind the Padres for the final National League Wild Card spot and trail the Cubs by 6.5 games in the NL Central — a gap that feels manageable given how the season has unfolded.
Despite their position, the Cardinals’ roster still has clear flaws, leaving the front office with a tough choice: add pieces, sell veterans, or do a bit of both as the trade deadline approaches.
Astros Interested in Brendan Donovan
One player drawing attention is All-Star utility man Brendan Donovan, who fits perfectly with what the Houston Astros need right now. Houston sits comfortably atop the AL West but wants to add a left-handed second baseman. According to reports, Donovan is at the top of their wish list if St. Louis decides to sell.
Donovan has been remarkably steady this season, hitting .297 with eight home runs and a .797 OPS. His value also comes from his defensive versatility — he can play second, third, first base, and corner outfield.
Why St. Louis Might Be Reluctant
Donovan isn’t just a rental — he’s under team control through 2027 via arbitration, making him extra valuable for a contender like Houston that wants to upgrade without overspending.
However, parting with Donovan would mean more than just losing a productive player. He represents the Cardinals’ gritty, adaptable identity and has become a core clubhouse leader. Donovan himself isn’t pushing for a move either, saying, “I want us to go for it. I’m a competitor.”
A Critical Deadline for Mozeliak
This deadline is also significant for Cardinals GM John Mozeliak, who is expected to step down soon, with Chaim Bloom set to take over. Would Mozeliak really close out his tenure by trading away key pieces like Donovan? Or will he gamble on one final playoff push with a team that’s already exceeded expectations?
A trade could happen if the offer is too good to pass up and the front office agrees on a clear direction.
The Fit in Houston Makes Sense
On paper, Donovan is exactly the kind of player Houston has lacked this year. His contact skills, plate discipline, and defensive flexibility would strengthen the Astros’ lineup right away. There’s also room for him to play regularly across multiple positions.
The Astros are exploring backup plans too, but Donovan appears to be their preferred target to fill this role.
St. Louis Must Decide Who They Are
For now, the focus is on whether the Cardinals see themselves as buyers still in the hunt for a Wild Card, or cautious sellers planning for the future. They could choose to make smaller additions, like adding relief help, without moving a player like Donovan.
But if the team struggles in the next couple of weeks, the odds of a blockbuster move could rise — especially if the return package is strong enough.
For the Cardinals, deciding whether to move Donovan is like sacrificing a valuable chess piece — a move they might regret, even if it brings long-term rewards.
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