Red Sox Get Brendan Donovan Trade Update Amid Rumors

The Boston Red Sox have been linked to St. Louis Cardinals utilityman Brendan Donovan in trade rumors.

The Red Sox had noted their desire to add multiple impact bats to their team in the offseason. They added Willson Contreras and tried to re-sign Alex Bregman. However, they whiffed on Bregman and their backup plan, Bo Bichette.

The Red Sox have already acquired Contreras and Sonny Gray from the Cardinals this winter. Donovan would be a great addition to their infield, but the Cardinals are not going to trade him for cheap. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden provided an update on his asking price.

“Donovan is the best trade asset remaining for the Cardinals, and although they’re not looking to trade him, they will if they get the right return,” wrote Bowden on Tuesday. “I’ve been told by several executives the asking price is too high to consider at this point, but that could drop between now and Opening Day.”

He is a Gold Glove winner as a utility player. However, the Red Sox do not need him in the outfield. He was an All-Star last season, primarily playing second base. The Red Sox could easily slot him in there, allowing Marcelo Mayer to play third base.

Donovan had a .775 OPS last season and hit 10 home runs. He would be a solid addition to the Red Sox offense and is under club control through 2027.

“Donovan has a career .361 OBP and will add significant traffic to any lineup,” wrote Bowden. “He’s also very versatile and has played all infield and corner outfield positions in the major leagues during his career. He’s well-known for all the baseball cliches we like to throw at players like, ‘gamer,’ ‘dirt bag,’ ‘winner’ and ‘scrappy.’ He fits with every team in baseball, including the Cardinals, who aren’t trading him unless they can ‘win’ the trade.”

The Red Sox and Cardinals have already matched up for two big trades this winter. A third would make sense given who else is available for the Red Sox.