MLB Rumors: Astros out on Abreu, surprise Cards trade, Giants still selling?

MLB Rumors: Could Cardinals trade Brendan Donovan?

At the beginning of this season, most pundits agreed that the St. Louis Cardinals would be buyers at this year’s trade deadline, and arguably the favorites in the NL Central. That has turned out to be anything but the truth, and now the Cards could actually sell off some assets at the deadline in hopes of retooling the current core with an eye towards next year.

While second baseman/outfielder Brendon Donovan is beloved within the organization — and was previously assumed untouchable — a trade wouldn’t be so shocking, after all. Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports that if the Cards do decide to sell off a number of their assets, Donovan could be one of them because of his versatility and value on the market.

"“Donovan’s versatility makes him attractive to every contending team. The Gold Glove Award winner has reached base at a .361 clip this season and when the Cardinals call looking for pitching upgrades, teams often ask for him as part of a return package. Donovan is under team control through 2028.”"

Bowden, a former general manager himself, knows how unlikely this trade remains. Donovan is under team control for quite some time, and St. Louis still believes in this core group of players. Donovan is a member of that core, and a winning player the organization can count on for years to come should they choose.

But it’s yet another reminder that no one — not even Donovan — is off-limits for the right asking price.