Yankees Reportedly Could Land Gold Glove Winner From Cardinals This Offseason

Would it make sense for the Yankees to pursue the Cardinals stud?

The New York Yankees likely won't only be busy in the free agent market this offseason. 

The 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline ultimately was quieter than usual because more teams than ever viewed themselves as possible playoff teams. Although that was the case, the trade market is expected to heat up this offseason and the St. Louis Cardinals reportedly could be a trade partner for the New York Yankees, according to The Athletic's Chris Kirschner. 

"Brendan Donovan, whose season was cut short due to elbow surgery, makes sense for what the Yankees need," Kirschner said. "Donovan is a high on-base percentage, low-strikeout left-handed bat who posted a .787 OPS in 95 games this year while playing all over the field. His OPS would have ranked third on the Yankees behind Judge and Gleyber Torres. The Yankees simply need more good hitters heading into next season, and Donovan fills that hole.

"Because Donovan is a pre-arbitration player, it will likely take a lot for the Cards to consider moving someone like him. Maybe Clarke Schmidt, Randy Vásquez, and Clayton Beeter would get the Cardinals to entertain the idea of trading Donovan. With the free-agency market lacking many impactful bats, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Yankees add a few bats through trades."

New York has been linked to Donovan in the past and a move could make sense this offseason. The Cardinals seem to have an overflow of young offensive talent and need pitching. The Yankees have young pitching to spare and need someone like Donovan. He is just 26 years old and already has a Gold Glove award under his belt. Donovan debuted for the Cardinals in 2022 and earned the award while also impressing offensively while slashing .281/.394/.379 with five home runs and 49 RBIs in 126 games played. 

Donovan impressed again in 2023 with a .284/.365/.422 slash line and 11 home runs and 34 RBIs, but appeared in just 95 games due to injuries. If he's healthy, he could really help New York. Over the last two years, he has appeared at every position except pitcher, catcher, and center field. Plus, he's just getting better offensively. Don't be surprised if the Yankees make another run at Donovan this offseason.