The New York Yankees are actively keeping an eye on the St. Louis Cardinals as potential changes loom for the team. As speculation grows about the Cardinals entering a fire sale, the Yankees could be positioned to pursue an intriguing target: All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan. According to a report by Jon Heyman, if the Cardinals decide to make Donovan available, he would certainly attract interest from New York, along with other teams, notably the Houston Astros.
Brendan Donovan has emerged as a standout player for the Cardinals, boasting an impressive .296 batting average and an OPS of .797 in the 2025 season, complemented by nine home runs and 42 RBIs. His defensive prowess was recognized when he received a Gold Glove Award in 2022. With two years left on his contract, the prospect of trading him could be surprising, though the Cardinals’ direction remains uncertain.
As of now, St. Louis sits nine games behind in the National League Central but is just 2.5 games away from a wild card spot, making the front office’s decisions more complex. The Cardinals are likely to consider trades, especially with multiple players, including star slugger Nolan Arenado and ace pitcher Sonny Gray, holding no-trade clauses.
If Donovan were to join the Yankees, it could shake up the competitive landscape within the American League East, presenting a challenge to rival teams. Additionally, the Yankees are reportedly pursuing Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Eugenio Suárez as they envision bolstering their lineup.
This potential transaction reflects the dynamic and strategic decisions that teams must navigate as they assess their rosters in a tightly contested season. A trade for Donovan could symbolize a shift in both teams’ trajectories, potentially leading to increased competitiveness for the Yankees as they aim for playoff contention.