The Houston Astros have suffered a plethora of injuries to their starting lineup this season. And yet, the team sits atop the AL West and is poised to be a top contender this season.
But the team needs to add to the roster at the trade deadline. With interest in adding to their diminished lineup, Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported that the Astros are one of many teams that are interested in St. Louis Cardinals All-Star and Gold Glove second baseman, Brendan Donovan.
All-Star INF Brendan Donovan would interest the Yankees, if he’s available. Many teams would be. Astros, too. Unclear how deep Cardinals sale will be.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 25, 2025
Houston needs a left-handed hitter, and Donovan, a lefty who's been hitting the ball well this season, would be among the best possible pickups for the Astros if he were to be available.
And as Heyman mentions, that's a big if. The Cardinals are expected to sell, but the extent of their sale isn't fully known. While the team could move on from a few expiring contracts, there isn't any certainty when it comes to players like Donovan getting traded.
If he were to be available, and Houston were to pull the trigger, it'd be a very expensive deal to make. In 2025 earned his first All-Star nod and is in the middle of his best offensive season in his career.
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Through 96 games, Donovan has 110 hits, 54 runs scored, 24 doubles, nine home runs, 42 RBIs, 35 walks, and 55 strikeouts. His .296 batting average would be the third highest on the Astros, while his .364 on-base percentage would also be third.
While Donovan has been great offensively, he has taken a step back from his Gold Glove self from his rookie season. He has -2 Fielding Run Value this season, but overall, he isn't the worst fielder, especially considering his flexibility.
He's primarily a second baseman, but could play third base or in the outfield, two positions the Astros need after injuries to Jake Meyers, Jacob Melton, Yordan Alvarez, and Isaac Paredes.
Adding Donovan would cost a lot, and he might not even be on the market if the Cardinals don't want to move him. But, if he were to be up for trade, Houston would be one of many teams interested in trading for the 28-year-old All-Star second baseman.
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