The Cleveland Guardians have major needs up and down the lineup after having one of the worst offenses in MLB in 2025, which certainly contributed to them falling short of the World Series for the second year in a row. There is a notable lack of thump in the lineup, which is the biggest thing the front office needs to address this offseason.
While free agency is just getting warmed up, there’s not much evidence that suggests the Guardians will make any big splashes on the open market. It’s a team that rarely backs up the Brinks truck, but that doesn’t mean Cleveland can’t make a big splash via trade, as the team has emerged as a “serious” trade candidate for one young All-Star.
MLB Live shared on X that St. Louis Cardinals star Brendan Donovan is a name the Guardians have been linked to. St. Louis is seemingly looking to undergo a full rebuild, and Donovan’s name has been circling the rumor mill quite a bit of late.
The Guardians are reportedly looking to be aggressive in their pursuit of him.
“The Guardians have emerged as a serious candidate for Brendan Donovan – per my previous post a few days ago. It was muddy – got mixed info – wasn’t 100% sure it was Donny – thought maybe it was Jojo. In fact they’re another team interested in Donovan, Jojo and others have reported Noot as well – I mentioned Noot a few days ago – I don’t see it as much. Cleveland now stands with teams like Seattle and SF as ‘perceived’ more aggressive in the mix,” MLB Live posted on X.
The Guardians have emerged as a serious candidate for Brendan Donovan – per my previous post a few days ago.
It was muddy – got mixed info – wasn't 100% sure it was Donny – thought maybe it was Jojo
In fact they're another team interested in Donovan, Jojo and others have… https://t.co/Saj1CIOcao
— MLB Live (@MLBaseball_Live) December 18, 2025
Donovan will be heading into his age-29 season and has been remarkably consistent over his four years with the Cardinals. He has been one of the best contact hitters in baseball since his debut and is coming off another great year with a .287 average and .775 OPS in 118 games. He played second base for most of 2025, but was a primary left fielder in 2024, and has shown the ability to play solid defense all over the diamond.
If Cleveland acquires him, he can slot in wherever the team needs him, and he’d be a perfect and welcome addition to the team.
NEXT: Guardians' OF Prospect Could Be Poised For Big Season
