Cardinals Facing Brendan Donovan Decision After Ivan Herrera News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 7:46 PM ET

Left-handed power bat Brendan Donovan is in his fourth season with the St. Louis Cardinals after making his MLB debut in 2022. The 28-year-old has carved out a role as a versatile utility player, capable of handling multiple positions while providing a steady left-handed presence in the lineup.

Donovan made an immediate impact by finishing third in National League Rookie of the Year voting and earning a Gold Glove in his rookie season.

In 2025, Donovan earned his first All-Star selection. Through 99 games, he’s hitting .288 with a .780 OPS, nine home runs and 42 RBIs, showcasing both average and pop from the left side.

He remains under team control for the 2026 and 2027 seasons before reaching unrestricted free agency in 2028.

Ahead of the series opener against the Miami Marlins, the Cardinals placed Ivan Herrera in left field for the first time in his career.

Herrera, who has been taking outfield reps in pregame drills, had started all eleven of his games this month as the designated hitter since returning from a hamstring injury.

Tonight's lineup vs. Miami: pic.twitter.com/HbgGGRnLdO
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 28, 2025

With Herrera now an option in left field, Donovan’s multi-positional value becomes redundant—especially once Nolan Gorman returns from his own injury. Donovan has filled in at second base of late, but Gorman expected to return following a rehab assignment.

St. Louis has slipped to 54-53 and lost seven of their last ten games, effectively falling out of the playoff race. Donovan’s name has surfaced in trade rumors, and the Cardinals may face the tough choice of packaging their 2025 All-Star for a prospect haul to restock the farm system.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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