If you’re a Cardinals fan watching Brendan Donovan tear it up this season, you’re probably wondering the same thing we all are: Can we PLEASE lock this guy up long-term already? Well, good news — MLB insider Ken Rosenthal just gave fans a dose of optimism that might be exactly what they needed to hear.
Insider Ken Rosenthal Agrees on Brendan Donovan
In his latest YouTube segment on Fair Territory, Rosenthal tackled a wild trade rumor that had Donovan heading to the Yankees — and he shut it down hard. Not only did he dismiss the idea, but he doubled down on the belief that Donovan (the latest example of the ‘Cardinal Way’) is a prime candidate for a long-term extension.
“Donovan is a really good player,” Rosenthal said plainly. “And certainly someone I think the Cardinals would want to keep and extend. He’s not necessarily young, but he’s a guy that is outstanding.”
Brendan Donovan is “Outstanding”
That’s right — outstanding. And the numbers back it up. Let’s talk about what Donovan’s doing in 2025, because it’s not just good — it’s elite.
Through 257 at-bats, the 27-year-old Swiss Army knife is batting .323, with 83 hits, 21 doubles, four homers, and 27 RBIs. He’s scored 38 runs, swiped three bags, and drawn 22 walks. Oh, and that .388 OBP? That’s 11th-best in all of Major League Baseball.
He’s currently sixth in MLB in batting average, tied for 10th in hits, and second in OPS among Cardinals hitters with at least 50 at-bats. In a lineup that’s been streaky at times, Brendan Donovan has been one of the few constants — a dependable, high-contact, high-IQ hitter who can play almost anywhere on the diamond.
Cardinals at the a Crossroads
Now, here’s the deal: Donovan isn’t a free agent yet. His extension window isn’t cracking open for another two years — but the Cardinals are at a critical roster crossroads. The 2025 trade deadline is looming, and the team needs to decide not just how to stay competitive now, but how to build a core that can win for years.
And make no mistake: Donovan is part of that core. If the front office is serious about this next chapter — if this is the start of a real turnaround — then keeping Donovan in a Cardinals uniform isn’t just a smart move. It’s the move.
There’s been buzz, there’s been speculation, but Rosenthal’s update cuts through the noise. The Cardinals know what they have — and indeed baseball insiders know it too.
So don’t be surprised if the words “Brendan Donovan extension” start heating up soon. Because when a guy is this good, this consistent, and this respected? You find a way to make it happen.
