The St. Louis Cardinals are at the crossroads: either keep attempting to contend, or click the big red button and blow up. With the Cards’ new GM being Chaim Bloom, it appears the latter is much more plausible.
They will begin dealing their aged roster if that is the case. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic thinks that Brendan Donovan, the All-Star second baseman for the Cards, who has two years of arbitration remaining on his deal, would be among the first players they trade.
“With just two years of club control left, infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan, the Cardinals’ sole All-Star this season, is a strong trade target. Even though Donovan is a great role model for the Cardinals’ younger players, he may leave as a free agency before the club is back on track. The fact that the Cardinals have only made partial progress in their efforts to rebuild is one of their issues during the last two years. Additionally, it hasn’t succeeded,” Rosenthal stated.
Donovan has slashed this season. With 60 RBI, 10 home runs, and 26 doubles, he is 281/.348/.407/.755. Donovan is a reliable offensive hitter who made a splash this season, and many teams would want to acquire him.
Nevertheless, Donovan would only be the first domino to fall. In order to completely commit to developing around guys like Ivan Herrera, Alec Burleson, and Mason Wynn, the Cards would also need to deal other veterans like Nolan Arenado.
In order to continue to become a superpower in the future, I hope the Cards completely commit this offseason and receive a ton of prospects in exchange.
