The Yankees would be the perfect fit in a deal for Cardinals star Brendan Donovan…
Cody Bellinger is reportedly preparing to opt out of his contract with the New York Yankees following the 2025 season, a move that’s not entirely surprising given his strong performance this year. He’s been productive at the plate, posting a .272 batting average with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs across 152 games. His resurgence has re-established his value in the market, making it likely that he’ll explore free agency to secure a long-term, high-value deal.
With Bellinger potentially departing, the Yankees are already exploring backup plans. One of the most talked-about solutions is a trade, and several sources have pointed to the St. Louis Cardinals as a key potential partner. The Yankees are reportedly evaluating multiple players from the Cardinals roster, focusing on talent that could either fill Bellinger’s void directly or address other positional needs to allow reshuffling.
Brendan Donovan has emerged as one of the most attractive trade targets for New York. Donovan is known for his defensive versatility and strong fundamentals, making him capable of playing multiple positions across the infield and outfield. That flexibility would be especially valuable to the Yankees, who could use him to plug holes depending on how the rest of the roster shakes out post-Bellinger. His offensive consistency adds to his appeal as an everyday contributor.
Another name generating buzz is Nolan Arenado. While not a direct Bellinger replacement in the outfield, Arenado’s power bat and elite defense at third base would offer a significant boost to the Yankees’ infield. Reports indicate the Cardinals are open to moving him to reduce payroll, which has led to speculation that a blockbuster deal could be in the works. Some trade scenarios even suggest that bringing in Arenado could create room for players like Jazz Chisholm Jr. to shift positions and improve the Yankees’ overall lineup balance.
However, any trade involving Arenado comes with complications. He holds a no-trade clause, meaning he would need to approve any move, including to New York. There’s also the financial burden — Arenado’s sizable contract may be a sticking point for the Yankees, especially if the Cardinals are unwilling to eat a portion of the remaining salary. These issues make the logistics of such a trade significantly more challenging.
Besides Donovan and Arenado, the Cardinals have other pieces that could interest the Yankees in smaller deals. Erick Fedde is one pitcher reportedly on the radar as a short-term rotation option, and Dylan Carlson has also been mentioned due to his outfield potential and the Cardinals’ depth at that position. These types of moves could serve as insurance or complementary pieces depending on how larger trade talks develop.
Ultimately, the driver behind these rumors is the Yankees’ urgency to remain competitive if Bellinger leaves. Losing him would leave a significant gap in both the lineup and defensive alignment, and the team appears poised to act decisively. For the Cardinals, this offseason represents an opportunity to shed salary, retool their roster, and potentially stockpile young talent in return for high-profile veterans.
Whether a major deal happens will depend on how motivated both front offices are and whether they can agree on a package that makes sense financially and competitively. The trade deadline may still be months away, but the groundwork is clearly being laid for moves that could reshape both rosters before the 2026 season begins.
