Brendan Donovan Emerging as Cardinals’ Next Homegrown Star and Clubhouse Leader
For two decades, the St. Louis Cardinals have thrived by developing stars from within (aka the ‘Cardinal Way’)—and in Brendan Donovan, they may have found their next franchise cornerstone.
While blockbuster trades for names like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado grabbed headlines, it’s the homegrown heroes that have always been the backbone of the Cardinals’ identity. Think Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina and Adam Wainright. And now, with Goldschmidt gone and the next era of leadership underway, Donovan has stepped up—on the field and in the clubhouse.
How much do the Cardinals miss Paul Goldschmidt?
At just 28 years old and in his fourth big league season, Donovan has done everything asked of him—and then some. After Goldy’s departure, questions swirled about who would carry the torch in the locker room. The answer? Brendan Donovan, whose voice has grown louder, steadier, and more respected in the dugout.
A Leader. A Glove. A Bat. A Spark.
Donovan’s always had the talent. He won a Gold Glove as a rookie in 2022, finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting, and showed flashes of stardom despite injuries in 2023.
Last season, he was solid across the board—slashing .278/.342/.417 with 14 home runs, 73 RBIs, 34 doubles, and 2.6 WAR over 153 games. But 2025? He’s on a different level.
Through just 66 games, Donovan is slashing a scorching .323/.388/.451 with:
- 4 homers
- 27 RBIs
- 21 doubles
- 38 runs scored
- And 2.5 WAR already—and counting
That’s right: in less than half a season, Donovan has nearly matched last year’s total WAR, and his consistency at the plate has made him one of the hottest hitters in baseball.
Defensive Swiss Army Knife
Whether it’s second base, left field, third base—you name it—Donovan plays Gold Glove-caliber defense wherever manager Oli Marmol puts him. That versatility, combined with his bat and leadership, makes him one of the most valuable players on the roster—and possibly one of the most underrated stars in baseball right now.
Build Around Brendan Donovan
He’s not the loudest. He’s not the flashiest. But Brendan Donovan shows up every day and delivers—with his glove, his bat, and his voice.
For a team in transition, Donovan is becoming exactly the kind of player you anchor a clubhouse around. He’s reliable. He’s respected. And he’s just getting started.
The Cardinals have their next homegrown star—and his name is Brendan Donovan.
Let’s use the ‘Cardinal Way’ to add more building blocks around him.
