Astros Enter Brendan Donovan Trade Rumors as Market Heats Up

The Houston Astros have officially entered the conversation surrounding one of the most versatile players on the market. According to a new report, the St. Louis Cardinals continue to receive calls on utility standout Brendan Donovan—this time with the Astros joining the list of interested contenders.

Donovan, known for his elite versatility, high on-base skills, and left-handed bat, has become one of the most popular names in trade talks this offseason. While the Cardinals are not actively shopping him, league insiders say the team is listening, and the market keeps expanding.

Why Brendan Donovan Fits the Astros

Houston has long valued lineup flexibility, and Donovan would give the team exactly that. He can play almost every position on the field and has posted strong offensive numbers since his debut, making him a plug-and-play asset in virtually any role.

For a team looking to add depth, improve its left-handed hitting options, and increase lineup balance, Donovan checks every box. His years of team control also make him an appealing long-term fit, though that same value means the Cardinals’ asking price remains steep.

What’s Next?

The Astros are not alone in the chase, as multiple contenders have reached out to St. Louis. With the offseason moving toward its next major wave, Houston will need to decide whether the roster upgrade is worth the significant return the Cardinals are expected to demand.

The Astros have made no big winter splash yet, but monitoring this situation suggests they are at least exploring impact options behind the scenes.

This article is a summary of reporting by Sports Illustrated. Read the full story here.