The Royals should seriously consider trading for Cardinals All-Star Brendan Donovan.
The Kansas City Royals will likely be among the favorites in the American League Central this year. The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians will also be contenders, and Kansas City may still be behind those ball clubs in all reality. However, the Royals potentially adding an All-Star would only make things more interesting in the division.
While the Royals are rumored to be unlikely to trade for Jarren Duran after early offseason rumors linked them to the Boston Red Sox outfielder, another All-Star does make sense as a trade candidate. In addition to Duran, the Royals were previously linked to a possible trade for St. Louis Cardinals infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan.
Kansas City could package a trade around their top prospects. They could even add an MLB pitcher to the deal depending on what St. Louis is looking for. Given the Cardinals' current rebuild, however, prospects will likely be enough to get the job done.
Brendan Donovan Would be a Tremendous Fit with Royals
Donovan is versatile. He can play second base, third base and the outfield. Maikel Garcia is the Royals third baseman and Jonathan India handles second base duties, so the outfield likely makes the most sense. With that being said, India struggled in 2025, so Donovan could replace him and Kansas City could trade India for help at another position.
Kansas City's outfield is its current weakness. As a result, Donovan's presence would help matters. Even if he plays second base, moving India could lead to Kansas City bringing in outfield help.
At the moment, it is not clear if Donovan is a serious trade candidate. He has been linked to a number of ball clubs in rumors, but St. Louis may decide to hold onto him. Donovan, who earned his first career All-Star selection in 2025, is under team control through the 2027 campaign. The Cardinals don't have to trade him right now.
Moving on from him this offseason would maximize his value, however. Donovan is fresh off an All-Star appearance as mentioned, and the team he lands with would have him for two seasons as opposed to him just being a one-year rental.
Trading him makes sense, and the Royals are a logical landing spot. If the Cardinals end up making Brendan Donovan available in trade talks, the Royals should strongly consider reaching out and discussing a deal. Adding the All-Star could be what pushes them ahead of the competition in the AL Central.