This post digs into the Boston Red Sox’s current infield problems, especially their need for more offense after missing out on key acquisitions and losing a star player.
We’ll take a look at possible trade targets like Brendan Donovan, break down how he might fit with the Red Sox, and weigh whether a deal could actually happen, given the St. Louis Cardinals’ ongoing retooling.
Red Sox Infield: A Growing Dilemma
The Boston Red Sox, a franchise with a long history and plenty of World Series banners, find themselves at a pretty important crossroads this offseason. After failing to land the big bat of Eugenio Suárez and, maybe more painfully, watching former MVP candidate Alex Bregman sign with the Chicago Cubs, there’s a clear hole in the infield offense.
The internal options, honestly, don’t seem up to the task, so trade rumors are swirling all over the place.
The Search for a Solution
The Red Sox front office is probably working overtime, checking out every possible way to improve the lineup. Lately, the chatter about trade targets has heated up, and names like Isaac Paredes and, especially, Brendan Donovan keep popping up in reports from insiders and national sports writers.
Brendan Donovan: The White Whale for Boston?
One prediction that’s getting a lot of attention comes from CBS Sports’ baseball writer Matt Snyder. He’s made a strong case that the Red Sox could actually pull off a trade for Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals, a move that could really shake up Boston’s infield.
Why Donovan Makes Sense for Boston
Snyder’s thinking is based on where the Cardinals are right now. Since they’re retooling, he figures they might listen to good offers for their established players, especially from teams desperate for offense.
For Boston, Donovan checks a lot of boxes: he’s versatile, plays quality defense, and his bat keeps getting better. If a trade goes through, Snyder says Donovan would step in as Boston’s everyday second baseman, giving the team some much-needed stability there.
Donovan’s Profile: A Closer Look
Brendan Donovan isn’t just a rumor—he’s already shown plenty of talent, even though he’s only been in the majors a short time. His mix of skills makes him a pretty appealing target for any team that needs a steady infielder.
A Gold Glove and All-Star Pedigree
Donovan’s defense stands out. He mostly plays second base, showing off smooth fielding and smart positioning. As a rookie in 2022, he snagged a utility Gold Glove, which says a lot about his range and ability to handle several infield spots.
Managers love that kind of flexibility. Last season, his overall defensive stats came in at minus-one outs above average, but he was much better at second base, posting a plus-two outs above average. He even made the All-Star team last year, which really helped his reputation around the league.
At the plate, Donovan’s no slouch. He gets on base, drives in runs, and has a knack for coming through in big moments. Check out his numbers from last season:
- .775 OPS: That’s a solid mix of getting on base and showing some power.
- 10 Home Runs: Not bad at all for a middle infielder.
- 50 RBIs: He finds ways to bring runners home.
- 42 Extra-Base Hits: Shows he can drive the ball and spark the offense.
The Hurdles to a Trade
Even though Donovan looks like a great fit for Boston, landing him won’t be easy. The Cardinals, despite all the talk about retooling, aren’t exactly putting their young infielder on the trade block.
The Cardinals’ Demands
Any team hoping to pry Donovan away from St. Louis needs to offer something truly compelling. The Cardinals want a significant return, probably a package of quality prospects or young, controllable players.
That fits with their strategy of retooling for the future. Trading a valuable piece like Donovan for a strong haul could speed things up for them.
If the Red Sox are serious about shoring up their infield, they’ll have to dig deep into their farm system. No shortcuts here—it’s going to take a real commitment.
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox Predicted To Trade For Infielder Coming Off First All-Star Season
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