Apr 27, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Astros hat and glove in the dugout during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images William Purnell-Imagn Images

Astros Reportedly Want Cardinals Fan-Favorite

Originally posted on St. Louis Cardinals on SI
By Patrick McAvoy | Last updated Nov 15, 2025 8:06 AM ET

The Houston Astros reportedly have their eyes on another member of the St. Louis Cardinals after failing to acquire Nolan Arenado last offseason.

St. Louis and Houston certainly are familiar with one another. The reason is because last offseason, the Astros were hot on the trail for Arenado and even seemingly had a deal ready to go for him, but the veteran third baseman used his no-trade clause to block a move.

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There was a bit of chatter around the Astros and Arenado ahead of the trade deadline, but they acquired Carlos Correa instead. Now, rumors are starting to pick up again involving the Cardinals and Astros, but this time about someone without a no-trade clause: All-Star utility man Brendan Donovan, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic.

The Cardinals All-Star is getting trade interest

Joe Puetz-Imagn Images

"Perhaps Brown and his baseball operations department is aware of it," Rome said. "Two league sources said this week that Houston is among a slew of clubs that have expressed interest in St. Louis Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan — a left-handed hitting second baseman who would address the lineup’s two most glaring needs.

"Donovan, who made his first All-Star team last season, also drew the Astros’ interest during last July’s trade deadline. The Cardinals did not move any of their controllable position players, but are more amenable to doing so this winter under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. MLB Trade Rumors estimated Donovan will earn $5.4 million in arbitration this winter. He is under team control for two more seasons and would solve the Astros’ uncertainty at second base at a fraction of either (Christian Walker) or (Isaac Paredes)’ salary."

Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported earlier in the week that Donovan has been one of the most talked-about trade candidates across the league this offseason so far. At the time, Goold mentioned teams like the Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the New York Yankees, but noted there were others interested.

The general manager meetings have come and gone and now it's only a matter of time before we start to see rumors turn into reality.

This article first appeared on St. Louis Cardinals on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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