Dodgers Eye Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan as Michael Conforto Struggles in Left Field
Let’s not sugarcoat it — left field has been a disaster zone for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025. Michael Conforto, the $17 million man brought in to steady the bottom half of the lineup, has done just about everything but that. Is that enough for the Dodgers to pay the sky high price to trade for Brendan Donovan? Once thought untouchable, Donovan might be the key to jumpstarting the rebuild of a crumbling franchise.
Conforto is slashing an abysmal .185/.297/.320 with just 8 home runs and 23 RBIs. And yes, you read that right — the Dodgers, one of the deepest and most feared rosters in baseball, rank dead last in left field production, per FanGraphs. That’s not just underperforming — that’s historically bad.
So now what? Well, the Dodgers are turning to the trade market, and according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, one name sits squarely in their sights: St. Louis Cardinals All-Star Brendan Donovan.
And if you’re a Dodgers fan, this should grab your attention.
And if you are a Cardinals fan, Ivan Herrera playing his first game in left field in the majors should grab your attention. Seems that makes Donovan more expendable.
Brendan Donovan Could Be the Perfect Deadline Fit
Donovan is putting together a career-best campaign for St. Louis. Through 96 games, he’s batting .296 with 9 home runs and 42 RBIs, ranking first among second basemen in WAR (2.5) and second in WRC+ (125). That’s not just good — that’s elite production, and it comes with versatility that makes him the Swiss Army knife every contending team covets in late July.
Sure, he’s not a traditional outfielder — but Donovan has logged over 160 games in left field in his four-year MLB career. He’s also capable at third base and can give you innings at shortstop. With Max Muncy injured and Mookie Betts managing shortstop duties, Donovan could slot in anywhere across the diamond while giving the lineup a serious contact hitter from the left side.
The Dodgers also could use help in the bullpen. Could this be a bigger blockbuster than anyone expects with both Donovan and Ryan Helsley being traded to L.A.
Helsley is more than confident that he will be wearing another uniform this season. 90% confident.
What’s Stopping It?
That’s the million-dollar question. The Cardinals are still hovering around Wild Card contention, and Donovan is the kind of player you build around — not ship off. But if St. Louis slides further and the right deal emerges, Los Angeles has the prospect capital to make something happen.
Is it realistic? Maybe. Is it perfect? Absolutely.
With the MLB trade deadline approaching, this rumor is worth keeping a close eye on. If the Dodgers want to patch their black hole in left field, Brendan Donovan might be the answer — additionally, if you ask around the league, they’re not the only ones thinking that.
