The Los Angeles Dodgers are stacked, but even the best teams have weaknesses. As the 2025 season unfolds, second base has become a need for the champs. Could St. Louis Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan be the answer?
Dodgers’ Second Base Dilemma
According to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, the Dodgers will start looking into trade options to address their second base situation before the July deadline. They already have one of the best rosters in baseball, but upgrading at second base could give them an extra edge in their pursuit of another World Series.
“It’s not too early (for the Dodgers) to start thinking about where the inevitable trade-deadline buying will be focused,” Miller wrote. “The lowest hanging fruit is arguably whichever of 2B/CF is easier to upgrade.”
With several teams likely to target center fielders, second base seems like the more realistic position for the Dodgers to address. Names like Brandon Lowe, Luis Arraez, and Gleyber Torres have been mentioned as possibilities. But there’s another under the radar name that could interest the Dodgers: Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Why Brendan Donovan Makes Sense for the Dodgers?
Donovan, 28, is on fire early in 2025. He’s leading the Cardinals in batting average (.350) and total hits (22) and has a .350/.385/.517 slash line with 2 HR, 3 2B and 10 RBI. He’s also a defensive wizard, winning a Gold Glove in 2022.
He’s versatile too. Donovan can play 2B, SS and the outfield – exactly what the Dodgers like in high-IQ players.
St. Louis’ Dilemma: Extend or Trade?
For the Cardinals, deciding what to do with Donovan is a tough call. He has 2 more years of arb eligibility and the fans are clamoring for an extension. But if the Cardinals struggle this year, Donovan becomes a trade chip to bolster their farm system.
As Miller said, asset-rich teams like the Dodgers look for undervalued gems who can help their roster. Donovan is that guy. He’s one of the most comfortable hitters in the Cardinals’ lineup and his value is peaking as trade talks heat up.
Will Donovan’s Numbers Hold Up?
Donovan won’t hit .350 all year, but his overall production will be solid. Even if his numbers dip a bit, his consistent contact and defense make him a great option for contenders.
The Dodgers’ front office is methodical in their approach to trades, and Donovan checks all the boxes. He wasn’t on their radar before, but his hot start has definitely got their attention.