The Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to shake up the 2026 MLB season with aggressive moves, and they’ve already set the tone by making a strategic decision regarding a standout player from the St. Louis Cardinals.
The defending champions are expected to remain a major force in the 2026 MLB season, led by Shohei Ohtani. While several players have been linked to the Los Angeles Dodgers in recent speculation, the team has reportedly made a decisive move regarding a notable St. Louis Cardinals player.
The Athletic reports that Los Angeles has cooled its pursuit of Brendan Donovan and has effectively exited the competition to acquire him. Interest in Donovan had reportedly gained momentum shortly after the Winter Meetings, with the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants emerging as the primary contenders.
With the Dodgers no longer in the mix, they appear to be shifting their focus elsewhere, and Cody Bellinger has surfaced as a possible target for the organization.
Even so, the Dodgers continue to feature one of baseball’s strongest lineups, highlighted by Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, along with proven veterans such as Mookie Betts, Kirby Yates, and Freddie Freeman.
Donovan’s reported suitors in the offseason
The Mariners and the Giants have expressed interest in Donovan. Additionally, the Boston Red Sox have reportedly emerged as a suitor for Donovan,according to a report from Alex Speier of The Boston Globe.
The Red Sox are reportedly pursuing a third trade under Chaim Bloom. Having already acquired Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras, Boston is now targeting Cardinals‘ key player to fill their second base vacancy.
Dodgers’ prospects for 2026 roster additions
In the pursuit of bolstering their roster for the next season, the Dodgers have several potential targets according to multiple reports: Steven Kwan (OF – Guardians), Tarik Skubal (SP – Tigers), Lars Nootbaar (OF – Cardinals), and Luis Robert Jr. (CF – White Sox).
Additionally, the Dodgers have their eyes on top free agents such as Kyle Tucker (OF), Cody Bellinger (OF/1B), and Michael Kopech (RP). With these names on their radar, the Dodgers are well-positioned to make a substantial impact in the upcoming season.
