In a winter bristling with quiet calculations and off-the-record conversations, one move could shift the balance in the National League: the Atlanta Braves targeting St. Louis Cardinals utility standout Brendan Donovan. It’s not just a good idea; it may be the shrewdest chess move Atlanta can make before the 2026 season begins.
Donovan Brings Rare Value: Versatility, Control, and Consistency
For years, Atlanta’s front office has done just enough. Not too flashy, rarely impulsive. They’ve built their reputation on smart extensions, internal development, and deadline restraint. But the margin for error has shrunk. Behind a Phillies juggernaut and a suddenly well-rounded Mets squad, Atlanta faces a gauntlet in the East, and the margins that once allowed them to tread water have begun to evaporate. That’s why the time for boldness has arrived. Brendan Donovan is the answer to a question Braves fans have been asking for years: Where’s the depth?
Donovan brings exactly what Atlanta needs. In 2025, he posted a .287/.353/.422 slash line, a balanced and mature approach at the plate that meshes perfectly with Atlanta’s boom-heavy batting order. His ability to move across second base, shortstop, and even corner outfield slots with near-flawless efficiency adds a new level of flexibility to a roster that has leaned too long on stars staying healthy. A .990 fielding percentage at second base? That’s no fluke, that’s stability.
From a cost perspective, he’s a rare modern gem: a productive, All-Star-caliber bat with team control through 2027. No long-term gamble. No bloated contract. Just three prime years on a contender’s clock.
Cardinals Pitching Pipeline Gets Major Boost
Meanwhile, the Cardinals, who are already in teardown mode after dealing Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras, could replenish their pitching pipeline with a deal structured around Hurston Waldrep and Jhancarlos Lara. Waldrep, electric when right, owns a fastball with late ride and a slider that can break games open. His 2.88 ERA across 56.1 innings isn’t just a number; it’s proof that he can handle the bright lights. And while his command still wavers, his upside is undeniable.
Lara, though raw, flashes enough bite on his off-speed offerings to suggest late-inning potential, if St. Louis can harness the wildness that’s haunted his development so far. Forty-six walks in 51 innings isn’t ideal, but his stuff? It’s electric. This is the kind of high-upside reliever a rebuilding team bets on, especially one with years of team control and a high ceiling if the command clicks.
A Strategic Win-Now Move for the Braves, and a Future-Focused Play for St. Louis
This is not a blockbuster for headlines; it’s a tactical escalation. Atlanta deepens its playoff push with a proven, hard-nosed competitor who thrives under pressure. St. Louis makes a long-term investment in arms with pedigree, power, and enough risk to make the reward sweet.
In this calculus, both clubs win, one now, one later, and the ripple effects across the National League could be substantial.
