"Brendan Donovan's name has been mentioned in trade rumors for a couple of years now, but with the Cardinals moving into a full-on rebuild mode this winter, it has seemed like only a matter of time before the versatile All-Star is dealt. That said, it isn't a guarantee that another club will meet what is reportedly a high asking price on the Cards' part, and Donovan won't necessarily remain on the market forever."
"This could be a way of putting a bit more pressure on Donovan's suitors to up their offers, or it could reflection the simple fact that Donovan and the Cardinals have a season to prepare for, and constant trade buzz will continue to be a distraction. While the hot stove won't entirely cool until a deal actually happens, Donovan would surely prefer to just focus on baseball during Grapefruit League action."
"Since Donovan is arbitration-controlled through the next two seasons, there isn't any immediate reason St. Louis needs to trade him this offseason. The situation also got a little less pressing when Nolan Arenado was dealt to the Diamondbacks, thus opening up the Cardinals' third base spot and creating less need for Donovan to be moved out of second base."
Brendan Donovan has been linked to trade talks amid the Cardinals' offseason rebuild, though a high asking price could deter suitors. Team leadership indicated a preference to settle Donovan's situation by the start of Spring Training to reduce distraction and allow preparation for the season. Continued trade speculation could impact Donovan's focus and the team's ability to command a strong return. Donovan remains arbitration-controlled for the next two seasons, removing immediate urgency to trade him. Nolan Arenado's trade to the Diamondbacks opened the third base spot, lowering the imperative to move Donovan off second base.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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