The 2025 MLB All-Star Game ended in dramatic fashion, with the National League securing the win via a swing-off after nine tightly contested innings. Kyle Schwarber took home the MVP honors, although some fans argue that the award should have gone to a player who made a bigger impact during regulation. Cardinals third baseman Brendan Donovan stood out by notching two hits — the only player from his team to do so.
With uncertainty surrounding the Cardinals’ front office, Donovan — who’s still under team control for several more seasons — finds himself in trade speculation. Will incoming executive Chaim Bloom make a bold move?
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Moving Donovan before the 2025 trade deadline would be a mistake. The Cardinals are firmly in the mix for an NL Wild Card berth, and such a deal could spark backlash from fans, who see Donovan as the embodiment of what the franchise stands for. While Chaim Bloom is set to take over baseball operations after the season, John Mozeliak remains in charge for now — creating a potentially complicated dynamic leading up to the deadline.
“The front office transition won’t officially happen until this offseason, making it unlikely Mozeliak would initiate a move that drastically alters next year’s roster,” wrote Katie Woo of The Athletic. “Bloom will be consulted during the deadline process, but Mozeliak still has final say.”
This offers a short-term reprieve for Donovan and Cardinals supporters. However, what happens after this season remains unclear. Donovan’s name has surfaced in trade discussions due to the team’s recent underperformance, though they’ve exceeded expectations this year.
Could Chaim Bloom Trade Away Donovan and Other Core Players?
Bloom earned a reputation in Boston as a rebuild specialist, famously dealing Mookie Betts to the Dodgers and allowing Xander Bogaerts to leave in free agency. As he steps into a new role in St. Louis, he faces a team hovering in the middle — not quite contending, but not bottoming out either. Even if they earn a Wild Card spot, few expect them to make a deep playoff run.
Mozeliak’s current plan seems to involve both buying and selling, without fully committing to a long-term vision. That likely leaves Bloom with the freedom to reshape the roster, which could involve cutting payroll — a move he’s made before. Comments from team chairman Bill DeWitt during January’s Winter Warm-Up hinted at a conservative financial approach moving forward.
“Some fans think we should just spend to fix things, but that’s easier said than done,” DeWitt said. “Big market teams can afford that. We’re just not in that financial tier.”
Fortunately for Donovan, his affordable contract works in his favor.