The Cleveland Guardians are pursuing offensive upgrades through both trade and free-agent markets ahead of next season. While the organization has young talent positioned for long-term contributions, external additions remain part of their strategy moving forward.
The St. Louis Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan has emerged as a trade candidate, generating league-wide attention.
According to MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand, Cleveland sits among several teams monitoring the versatile outfielder’s availability this offseason.
“With two years of club control remaining and a healthy arbitration raise set for this winter, Donovan is one of the more likely trade candidates of the offseason. The versatile infielder/outfielder can play all over the field, a quality that figures to be appealing to a number of potential suitors. The Astros, Yankees and Guardians are among the teams believed to have interest in the 28-year-old, giving the Cardinals multiple options to pursue,” Feinsand wrote.
Donovan presents a logical fit for the Guardians based on his recent production and positional versatility. The first-time All-Star will turn 29 on January 16 and maintains two remaining years of arbitration eligibility with St. Louis.
His offensive output has consistently exceeded league averages, with double-digit home runs in each of the last three seasons, including a career-high 14 in 2024. Over the past two years, Donovan accumulated 66 doubles, with 32 coming in 2025.
His approach at the plate shows discipline, reflected in a 13.4 percent whiff rate and 13 percent strikeout rate this season. He has maintained a career walk rate of 9.1 percent throughout his tenure.
Defensively, Donovan’s ability to play multiple positions strengthens his value. He earned the National League Gold Glove Award for utility players in 2022 and has appeared at every position except catcher, center field, and pitcher during his Major League career.
He has primarily been used at second base and in left field. Acquiring Donovan would give Cleveland a second base option while Travis Bazzana develops at the minor league level, while simultaneously adding depth to the corner outfield rotation.
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