Why Cardinals are struggling to find a trade partner for Brendan Donovan

Matt Sullivan

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Why Cardinals are struggling to find a trade partner for Brendan Donovan image

The St. Louis Cardinals have been conducting a fire sale this offseason. Chaim Bloom is moving on from a lot of talent this winter.

Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras were dealt to the Boston Red Sox, while Nolan Arenado is now with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Next on the docket is Brendan Donovan.

However, nothing has materialized despite plenty of rumors. Why hasn't he been traded? Jim Bowden of The Athletic revealed why talks haven't gone anywhere. Unsurprisingly, the Cardinals' asking price is too high.

Why the Cardinals haven't traded Brendan Donovan yet

"I've been told by several executives the asking price is too high to consider at this point," Bowden writes, "but that could drop between now and Opening Day."

With a high asking price, teams around baseball aren't biting in talks with Bloom on Donovan this offseason.

While he's a valuable player who can play elite second base and also factor into the outfield if needed, Donovan's asking price is too high for teams around baseball.

Teams like the San Francisco Giants and the Seattle Mariners, both strongly linked to Donovan at times this offseason, won't pay the steep asking price.

More: MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency

St. Louis has two years of club control with Donovan left, giving Bloom plenty of time to work out a trade and land strong value.

But, he might have to lower his asking price, as teams aren't biting on his demands this offseason. While Donovan is a Gold Glove and All-Star infielder, his power numbers and overall just okay offense don't make him as appealing an option.

He's still incredibly valuable, and a team will want to trade for him, but not at the price that has been set by Bloom this offseason.

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