St. Louis presents the Phillies with two irresistible trade targets—and one risky Cardinals option that could derail everything. DD
The Cardinals are open for business.
The Philadelphia Phillies may be interested in some available St. Louis Cardinals players this winter. The Cardinals have already started retooling their roster with Tuesday’s trade that saw Sonny Gray head to the Boston Red Sox.
The Phillies have some positions that the front office will need to address by the start of spring training in mid-February. While we can expect free agent signings, some of the new additions could come from trades. Which players on the Cardinals could improve Philadelphia’s roster?
2 Cardinals trade candidates the Phillies should pursue this offseason
Brendan Donovan, UTL
Brendan Donovan is definitely a Cardinals trade candidate, with MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand listing the utility player’s trade buzz as “high.” The 28-year-old has two more years of arbitration remaining and is anticipated to earn $5.75 million in 2026. He will be a sought-after trade target this offseason (subscription required).
Donovan made his first All-Star Game this year as he compiled a .287/.353/.422 slash line and a .775 OPS in 118 games. He had 10 home runs, 50 RBIs, and finished with 32 doubles, two shy of his career-best 34 last year.
The Phillies don’t have a big need for a second baseman with Bryson Stott on the roster. However, Donovan plays multiple positions in the infield as well as in left and right field. The utility player has the most experience at second base (225 career contests) and in left field (163 games) from his time in St. Louis.
The Phillies have a pressing need to improve their outfield. Prospect Justin Crawford is an option to play in left field or in center, so Donovan could play in right field or in left when Crawford is not occupying that position. Donovan is versatile enough defensively that manager Rob Thomson could tinker with the lineup to find a way to play him often.
Lars Nootbaar, OF
Lars Nootbaar is another player who has two more years of arbitration left and is set to earn $5.2 million in 2026. The 28-year-old hit .234/.325/.361 with 13 home runs this year. He set career highs with 135 games, 24 doubles, and 48 RBIs. However, his .686 OPS was the lowest of his five years in the majors.
Nootbaar has more appeal defensively for the Phillies as he has experience playing at all three outfield positions. The native of El Segundo, California, played primarily in left field in 2025, with 107 games there.
The Phillies are looking to move on from Nick Castellanos this offseason and will have an opening in right field, where Nootbaar has the most career experience with 236 games played. As a left-handed hitter and a versatile outfielder, Thomson could take advantage of that ability by platooning Nootbaar at different positions over the course of a long season.
1 Cardinals trade candidate the Phillies should avoid
Nolan Arenado, 3B
The Phillies were one of the teams that Nolan Arenado was willing to waive his no-trade clause for when he was in trade rumors last offseason. According to Feinsand, Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom is looking to trade the 34-year-old third baseman this winter.
Just like last offseason, the move would not benefit the Phillies now, even if they decide to trade Alec Bohm. Despite being an eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, Arenado’s best days are behind him. He’ll earn $16 million next year, followed by $15 million in 2027 before his contract expires.
Arenado’s offensive skills started declining following the 2022 season. In 107 games this season, the fewest he has played in his career, he slashed .237/.289/.377 with a career-low .666 OPS. His 12 home runs and 52 RBIs were the fewest in a non-shortened season since his rookie year. If the Phillies trade Bohm, there are simply better options to consider at third base than Arenado.
