If the New York Yankees believe this lull, which includes 14 wins over their last 35 games, is nothing more than a lull, they could be inclined to make some all-in moves at the trade deadline.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a hot topic, with pitchers Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, and third baseman Eugenio Suárez circulating trade rumors. Relievers such as Minnesota Twins Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax, or Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, also come to mind.
But â assuming general manager Brian Cashman still believes in this core â the Yankees could look for more infield versatility. The St. Louis Cardinalsâ second baseman, Brendan Donovan, is one possible option.
A Gateway to Third Base
MLB Insider Jon Heyman had this to say on Donovanâs status:
â[Donovan] would interest the Yankees, if heâs available. Many teams would be. Astros, too. Unclear how deep Cardinals sale will be.â
Donovan, 28, is in the midst of his first All-Star campaign with a .296 batting average, a .796 OPS, a 123 OPS+, nine home runs, 42 RBIs, three stolen bases, and a 35:55 BB:K ratio. As a left-handed bat, the New York Yankees would probably try to turn him into a pull-heavy, power hitter for the short porch in the Bronx.
But, still, Donovan is a proven professional who can play second, third, and left field, and would bring some much-needed plate discipline to a lineup that is 8th in baseball with 890 strikeouts on the year.
The price would be high, as Donovan is under team control through 2027 before hitting free agency in 2028. However, the Cardinals have not played the most inspiring brand of baseball lately. Aging stars like Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado, coupled with an underwhelming starting rotation, do not indicate a World Series run anytime soon in St. Louis.
On the other hand, the Cardinals are one of the model franchises in the Majors and seemingly also have a punch to throw. Shipping one of its better players as he enters his prime feels counterintuitive.
Ultimately, the Yankees would have to make an irrefusable offer to acquire someone of Donovanâs stature. Here is what that could look like.
Making room on the Yankees
MLB Marathon added, “More teams now reaching out to the Yankees in regards to C/1B Ben Rice as well as OF Trent Grisham.â
Letâs imagine St. Louis is one of those teams. Grisham, 28, is having the best year of his career as a full-time outfielder for New York. He has a .255 batting average, an .829 OPS, a 130 OPS+, 17 home runs, 38 RBIs, and 44 walks to 72 strikeouts.
However, despite his success at the plate, he is on an expiring contract, which does not necessarily align with the Cardinalsâ sell mentality in this scenario. Perhaps he would appeal to them if they could attach an extension, but that feels unlikely given the respectable bidding war he should see unfold this offseason.
Rice, 26, could catch St. Louisâ eye as he has demonstrated a stellar approach at the plate during his rookie campaign. He is batting .232 with a .791 OPS, a 118 OPS+, 15 home runs, 32 RBIs, and a not-so-terrible 29:66 BB:K ratio.
The prospect of a Rice/Grisham for a star infielder sounds excellent, but, realistically, it wonât be for Donovan.
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