Inside The Cardinals

Cardinals Predicted To Use Breakout Star As 'Trade Bait'

The Cardinals have a lot of young talent in their farm system right now.
Zach Pressnell|
May 23, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Ivan Herrera (48) right fielder Lars Nootbaar (21) and left fielder Brendan Donovan (33) celebrate after they scored on a three run triple by third baseman Nolan Arenado (not pictured) during the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
May 23, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Ivan Herrera (48) right fielder Lars Nootbaar (21) and left fielder Brendan Donovan (33) celebrate after they scored on a three run triple by third baseman Nolan Arenado (not pictured) during the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

In this story:

St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals may end up with a log jam in their infield in the near future. There's a lot of talent in St. Louis and coming up the farm system, but only four positions around the infield.

With Masyn Winn and Willson Contreras likely holding down shortstop and first base, respectively, that only leaves second base and third base open for the future. And the Cardinals have more than just two talented infielders.

FanSided's Mark Powell recently suggested the Cardinals could use Brendan Donovan as "trade bait" with JJ Wetherholt knocking on the door of a promotion to the big leagues.

"Donovan may be the Cardinals most attractive trade asset. His contract is affordable, and he's still in his arbitration years," Powell wrote. "He's making less than $3 million this season, and is hitting .328 with a 2.00 WAR. Donovan can also play several positions, including second base, third base and left field. He'd be an expensive, yet worthwhile addition for any true contender.

"What makes Donovan expendable is the emergence of Double-A infielder JJ Wetherholt, who is just 22 years old and slashing .284 with an .828 OPS. While power is not his strong suit, Wetherhold can play multiple positions on the infield (much like Donovan) and is a former first-round selection. He's knocking on the door for promotion."

Wetherholt will likely be ready for a big league promotion by next season. There's a chance he makes a miraculous run to the big leagues this season, but it's not too likely, especially with prospect Thomas Saggese ahead of him, too.

Most Cardinals fans would likely rather see Donovan extended past his arbitration years rather than traded, but if the team fully believes in Wetherholt as the future, capitalizing on Donovan's value during a breakout season could make sense.

The Cardinals would net a lot in a potential Donovan trade. It's something to think about as the trade deadline gets closer.

More MLB: Rangers-Cardinals Linked In Trade Buzz For Star Closer

Published
Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "St. Louis Cardinals On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

Home/St. Louis Cardinals News