After months of rumors, it's pretty clear that the St. Louis Cardinals aren't just going to trade Brendan Donovan simply to do it. The Athletic's Jim Bowden noted that the Cardinals will not trade Donovan unless they "win" the trade. Will the Cardinals trade Brendan Donovan? Sep 23, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan (33) runs to third base against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images"The Cardinals' stance on Brendan Donovan is this ... the Cardinals do not have to trade Brendan Donovan right now," Murray said.