Cardinals May Be Done This Offseason After Losing Brendan Donovan Suitor

St. Louis has already traded away several key players this winter and may not make any more moves.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:07pm

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The St. Louis Cardinals have been actively rebuilding this offseason, trading away players like Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray. They've also been exploring offers for All-Star second baseman Brendan Donovan, with the Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals showing interest. However, those teams are unwilling to meet the Cardinals' asking price, and with the Giants now out of the mix after signing Luis Arraez, it appears the Cardinals may be done making moves this offseason.

Why it matters

The Cardinals' busy offseason of trades and roster changes could signal a rebuilding year in 2026, as they shed salary and bring in prospects. Keeping Donovan would provide some continuity, but losing him could further weaken the team's core.

The details

The Cardinals have already traded away several key players this offseason, including Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray. They've also been exploring offers for All-Star second baseman Brendan Donovan, with the Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals showing interest. However, those teams are unwilling to meet the Cardinals' asking price for Donovan. Additionally, the San Francisco Giants, another potential suitor, are now out of the mix after signing Luis Arraez.

  • The Cardinals have been actively rebuilding this offseason.
  • Pitchers and catchers are set to report to spring training in less than two weeks.

The players

Brendan Donovan

The Cardinals' All-Star second baseman who has generated trade interest from several teams this offseason.

Willson Contreras

A player the Cardinals traded away this offseason as part of their rebuilding efforts.

Nolan Arenado

Another player the Cardinals traded away this offseason as part of their rebuilding efforts.

Sonny Gray

Another player the Cardinals traded away this offseason as part of their rebuilding efforts.

Luis Arraez

The player the San Francisco Giants signed, eliminating them as a potential suitor for Brendan Donovan.

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What they’re saying

“They don't feel the need to move him, and if they don't get the offer they want, he'll stay in St. Louis.”

— Katie Woo, The Athletic (The Athletic)

What’s next

Unless a team blows the Cardinals away with an offer for Brendan Donovan, it would seem likely that they've done all they need to do this winter. 2026 may be a rough year in St. Louis, but if teams are not going to ramp up their pursuits of Donovan, then there really isn't anything left for the Cardinals to do.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' busy offseason of trades and roster changes could signal a rebuilding year in 2026, as they shed salary and bring in prospects. Keeping Donovan would provide some continuity, but losing him could further weaken the team's core.