Cardinals Fan Favorite Reportedly Could Be Traded If St. Louis Blown Away By Deal

The 2023 MLB Trade Deadline can't come soon enough. 

Trade rumors have been swirling seemingly all season but with just over a month to go until the August 1 trade deadline, things are about to heat up in a major way. One team that's sure to be busy ahead of the trade deadline without a doubt with be the St. Louis Cardinals. 

St. Louis could go either way as we get closer to the trade deadline. The Cardinals currently are 32-45 but still could end up fighting for a postseason berth due to a weak National League Central division this season. St. Louis could end up being sellers if it doesn't get things back on track quickly, but there's still no way for sure to know exactly what the team will do.

Aside from young outfielder Jordan Walker, seemingly everyone could end up being available if the Cardinals can't rack up some wins. One fan favorite who potentially could find himself playing elsewhere around the trade deadline reportedly is utility man Brendan Donovan, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Lynn Worthy. 

"I'm not sure that this roster is in a place where you can dub a player like Donovan untouchable in trade scenarios," Worthy said in a question-and-answer session with fans. "His versatility is great and gives the Cardinals or any acquiring team flexibility. But if he were the key to acquiring much-needed pitching, I'm not sure the front office in good conscience could refuse to include him in a deal. After all, you have other options -- and potential everyday options -- at the positions, he plays."

Donovan is in his second big league season and has quickly impressed Cardinals fans. The 26-year-old plays all over the diamond and earned the National League utility Gold Glove Award during his rookie year and also finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.

The 26-year-old has been impressive once again this season for St. Louis and has slashed .272/.364/.389 to go along with seven home runs and 23 RBIs across 71 games so far this season. Although the Cardinals have struggled this season, Donovan has been one of the club's most consistent offensive players. 

St. Louis certainly needs an upgrade in its starting rotation and seemingly has a surplus of infielders. Maybe Donovan could help bring in a much-needed hurler to help get the Cardinals back on track.