Marcelo Mayer Could Block Red Sox Trade For Brendan Donovan

The Boston Red Sox are at a crossroads this offseason. After missing out on Alex Bregman in free agency, the front office has to rethink how to strengthen the infield.

Trade rumors are swirling. Several interesting names have popped up, forcing the club to balance winning now with developing its young core for the future.

Red Sox Searching for Answers After Bregman Miss

Losing Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs stung. Bregman brought a proven, right-handed bat and plenty of postseason experience—exactly what Boston wanted to stabilize the infield.

Now, the Red Sox face a trickier puzzle. They have to weigh outside additions against giving their own guys more chances.

Multiple reports say the front office is actively working the trade market. Any move has to fit the roster, keep payroll flexible, and not block young players from developing.

That’s a tough needle to thread, especially in the ultra-competitive American League East.

Why Brendan Donovan Entered the Conversation

Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals is one name that keeps coming up. He’s coming off a strong 2025, hitting .287 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs and making his first All-Star team.

Donovan plays all over the infield and outfield, which makes him a tempting target for a bunch of teams.

He brings contact skills, defensive versatility, and a steady approach—traits that usually catch the eye of analytically inclined front offices.

Why Donovan May Not Be the Right Fit

Still, there are reasons Boston might hold off. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Red Sox seem less interested in Donovan because of how their roster is shaping up and their long-term plans.

The biggest issue? Handedness. Boston already has a lot of left-handed hitters, and Donovan bats lefty too.

Adding another lefty could make the lineup less flexible, especially when facing left-handed pitchers.

Commitment to In-House Development

The team also wants to get Marcelo Mayer more playing time. Mayer, 23, is one of the franchise’s top prospects and could be a future cornerstone.

He only got 136 plate appearances in 2025 before a right wrist injury ended his season. The Red Sox want to give him a real shot at second or third base in 2026 so he can grow in the majors.

Other Trade Targets That Could Make More Sense

If Donovan doesn’t fit, other names might. Nico Hoerner and Eugenio Suárez keep coming up as alternatives.

Hoerner brings elite defense, speed, and a right-handed bat. Suárez offers power and plenty of experience at third base.

Either could fill an immediate need without getting in the way of Boston’s young players coming up. Sometimes, it’s just about finding the right piece—not the biggest name.

All Options Remain Open

Right now, nothing’s off the table. The Red Sox are still gathering information and sorting through trade costs and positional fit.

They’re also thinking about the long-term. Donovan’s a useful player, sure, but fit matters just as much as raw talent when you’re building a contender.

Until Boston finally makes a move, the rumors won’t stop. The Red Sox seem to want flexibility and development, even if that means passing on a recent All-Star.

 
Here is the source article for this story: How Marcelo Mayer Could Prevent Red Sox From Trading For Brendan Donovan