Red Sox could return to Cardinals trade well for third time this offseason

The Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals have already made a pair of trades this offseason. A third deal could be in the works.

According to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, the Red Sox are still looking for a right-handed-hitting infielder. Speier further noted that the Red Sox are targeting Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan.

The Red Sox have already raided the rebuilding Cardinals to fortify a pair of weaknesses. Pitcher Sonny Gray was acquired at the end of November to give Boston a second top-of-the-rotation starter behind ace Garrett Crochet. Willson Contreras was acquired a month later to fill the Red Sox's void at first base.

Boston Red Sox have competition for Brendan Donovan

While Donovan is capable of filling in around the diamond, he has seen most of his action at second base or left field over the past two years. A first-time All-Star in 2025 and the winner of the 2022 NL utility man Gold Glove award, Donovan has emerged as a solid hitter in the Cardinals' lineup. He has produced a .282/.361/.411 batting line over his 2006 plate appearances, hitting 40 homers and 97 doubles.

While the Red Sox are interested in bringing Alex Bregman back at third, they also have an opening at second base. David Hamilton, Romy Gonzalez and Kristian Campbell were not an overly productive trio at the keystone in 2025, and the Red Sox want to keep Ceddanne Rafaela in center for his defense. Adding Donovan would give the Red Sox time for Campbell to develop while providing a solid option should he return to a utility role.

The Red Sox are not the only team interested in Donovan. Katie Woo of The Athletic reported that the Giants and Mariners have emerged as the frontrunners for his services. However, given the Red Sox and Cardinals trades this offseason, it is entirely possible the two sides could team up for a third time.