With just under one week remaining until the MLB trade deadline at 3 p.m. PT on July 31, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to be connected to a multitude of possibilities.
Conventional wisdom holds the Dodgers will address their bullpen at the deadline this year as their need resembles that for the starting rotation last season. Manager Dave Roberts has admitted as much, even going so far as to publicly state the team is in search of a right-handed relief pitcher specifically.
However, the Dodgers also have a slumping lineup and there has been speculation over Michael Conforto’s role with the team moving forward.
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, the Dodgers have interest in Brendan Donovan:
The Dodgers have shot high so far in the market, expressing interest in St. Louis Cardinals All-Star Brendan Donovan, multiple league sources said.
The Dodgers inserted themselves into trade talks with the Cardinals and Chicago White Sox last season in order to acquire Tommy Edman and Michael Kopech as part of a three-team deal. Prior to general manager Brandon Gomes getting the Dodgers involved, the Cardinals were on the verge of trading Edman to the White Sox.
With the Cardinals in a midst of a disappointing season, they once again figure to be involved in activity at MLB’s trade deadline. Specifically with the likes of Ryan Helsley, Phil Maton and Steven Matz among their players drawing interest from other teams.
It wouldn’t come as a shock if the Dodgers sought to acquire both Donovan and Helsley. Though, that presumably would come at a steep cost despite Helsley due to become a free agent after the 2025 season. Donovan is under team control through 2027 via salary arbitration.
How would Brendan Donovan fit on Dodgers roster?
Donovan has played 18 games in left field this season and a total of 186 in the outfield over the course of his career. He otherwise has primarily played second base.
While Donovan has experience in left field, he could slide into the infield with the Dodgers and in turn shift Edman to center field and Andy Pages over to left field.
Donovan, 28, is hitting .293/.360/.428 with 24 doubles, nine home runs and 42 RBI this season. He’s on track to set career highs in batting average, slugging, doubles and homers.
Donovan had career-bests 34 doubles and 14 home runs last season. This year was his first time making the All-Star Game.
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