The Braves have several holes to fill this offseason before they can even think about competing with the Dodgers for National League supremacy. That won’t be easy to accomplish through free agency, given how much the market for top-tier talent has exploded in recent years and the fact that Atlanta doesn’t have unlimited cash to spend.

However, Alex Anthopoulos has never been shy about swinging a blockbuster trade since becoming the Braves GM, and one team to keep an eye on this winter is the St. Louis Cardinals.

For several years, the Cardinals have found themselves in a strange middle ground — one foot in, one foot out of contention. They typically start strong before fading down the stretch, stuck in a vicious cycle of mediocrity that no franchise wants to live in. That trend has fueled growing speculation that they could finally blow up their core and embark on a rebuild.

If that happens, there are a couple of names that fit the Braves’ needs.

Brendan Donovan

If the Cardinals make Brendan Donovan available, he’d immediately become one of the most coveted trade chips on the market. His defensive versatility is incredibly appealing — capable of playing second base, third base, or either corner outfield spot — and he’s been a model of consistency at the plate, posting a career .772 OPS across his first four seasons.

The Braves don’t have glaring holes in either the infield (outside of shortstop) or outfield, but look a little deeper and a role for Donovan becomes clear. He could provide valuable defensive flexibility in the outfield, allowing Ronald Acuña Jr. and Jurickson Profar to take turns at DH, while also serving as insurance in case of injury or continued struggles from Ozzie Albies, who ended last season dealing with yet another wrist issue.

Sonny Gray

Sonny Gray has already made it known that he’d be open to a move if the Cardinals find a trade partner this offseason, citing his desire to compete for championships. The Braves would be an obvious fit given their need for starting pitching, but only if St. Louis is willing to eat a significant portion of his contract.

Gray is owed $35 million next season, plus a $5 million buyout in 2027, and no team is paying $40 million for a 36-year-old pitcher coming off a season with a 4.28 ERA. But if the Cardinals agree to absorb a meaningful chunk of that money, Gray could pique the Braves’ interest, particularly since the prospect cost wouldn’t be steep.