The rumor that the Chicago Cubs have proposed a blockbuster trade to the St. Louis Cardinals for star utility player Brendan Donovan is the hottest storyline of the offseason. While the trade is currently a hypothetical model proposed by analysts (such as ClutchPoints), the logic behind it is sound, making the possibility a realistic and terrifying prospect for Cardinals fans.
A trade between these two NL Central rivals, particularly for a fan-favorite homegrown player like Donovan, would be an organizational “explosion” that inflames their long-standing rivalry to an unprecedented degree.
The “Historic Decision” Facing the Cardinals
Under new President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom, the Cardinals are committed to a clear rebuild and are actively looking to trade veterans for controllable young talent, specifically starting pitching and high-upside outfield prospects.
Brendan Donovan is the team’s most valuable, cost-controlled trade chip. The decision facing the Cardinals is whether to reject the trade because he is a fan favorite and a necessary clubhouse leader, or to accept a massive haul that accelerates their rebuild by years.
The Cubs’ “Perfect” Proposal
The Cubs need Donovan’s specific skillset: an elite On-Base Percentage (career OBP: .361), Gold Glove-caliber defensive versatility (2B, 3B, OF), and a left-handed bat to balance their powerful, right-handed lineup.
Here is a model of the kind of “valuable prospect package” analysts suggest the Cubs would offer:
| Cardinals Receive (From Cubs) | Position | Rationale for Cardinals |
| 1. OF Kevin Alcantara | Top Outfield Prospect | Elite Upside: Alcantara offers five-tool potential and high athleticism, instantly becoming one of the best prospects in the Cardinals system. |
| 2. RHP Brandon Birdsel | Pitching Prospect | High-Ceiling Pitching: Addresses the Cardinals’ primary need with a hard-throwing prospect who projects as a potential mid-rotation starter. |
| 3. RHP Will Sanders / 2B James Triantos | Utility/Pitching Depth | Adds more near-MLB ready talent or depth. Sanders offers a fast track to the rotation, while Triantos provides more positional depth. |
In Return, the Cubs receive: UTL Brendan Donovan (2 years of team control, projected $6M in 2026).
Why the Cardinals Must Consider It
While trading Donovan to the Cubs would cause fan outrage, the package addresses every strategic goal set by Chaim Bloom:
- Acquire Pitching: The deal brings in multiple high-upside, controllable arms.
- Clear Logjam: Trading Donovan creates a clear path for top infielder prospect JJ Wetherholt to move into an everyday role (at 2B or 3B) sooner.
- Maximize Value: Donovan’s value (coming off a 2025 All-Star season) is at its peak right now.
The Cardinals’ new front office must decide whether loyalty to a fan-favorite is more valuable than securing the kind of prospect return that could build a sustainable winner by 2028. This decision truly is a “historic” one for the franchise.
