The Houston Astros are reportedly interested in exploring a deal for All-Star utility man Brendan Donovan, who is one of the hottest names on the market.
Donovan is a defensively flexible player who can cover just about any position in the infield or outfield, along with possessing a solid bat and approach at the plate.
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He still has multiple seasons of cost control. With a new leader at the helm of the St. Louis Cardinals, courtesy of new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, Donovan could well end up getting traded despite his good, all-around play.
The Astros could end up shifting some of their pieces on the field, potentially opening up a spot in the infield or the outfield for Donovan to slide into. His versatile glove can provide coverage at either corner outfield spot or second base, primarily.
Per Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Astros are among the various teams who already are keeping tabs on the 2025 All-Star.
“Two league sources said this week that Houston is among a slew of clubs that have expressed interest in St. Louis Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan, a left-handed hitting second baseman who would address the lineup’s two most glaring needs,” Rome wrote.
“Donovan, who made his first All-Star team last season, also drew the Astros’ interest during last July’s trade deadline.
“MLB Trade Rumors estimated Donovan will earn $5.4 million in arbitration this winter. He is under team control for two more seasons and would solve the Astros’ uncertainty at second base at a fraction of either Walker’s or Paredes’ salary.”
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Donovan hit. 287/.353/.422 last season as a whole, good for 10 home runs and 50 RBIs, while earning 2.7 bWAR. Houston could well use a player like him, as could any team in baseball, though the price that St. Louis wants may end up being too big for the Astros’ taste.
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