There have been numerous rumors about what the Houston Astros plan to do this offseason on both sides of the plate. The Astros have already made an effort to address their pitching instability by signing starter Mike Burrows and other pitchers, but some have expected additional moves.
Is Brendan Donovan Still a Trade Option for the Astros?
Houston’s offense faces several questions, particularly about how its infield will line up and how the outfield situation will be entering 2026. The Astros traded super-utility man Mauricio Dubón to the Braves in exchange for infielder Nick Allen to take over the utility role on the bench to save some money for future moves.
In November, the Astros were in trade rumors for potentially acquiring St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. That was an interesting proposition for Houston, with José Altuve expected to staff down the position in the future after the left-field plan fell apart.
Isaac Paredes is looking great in his quicker-than-expected hamstring injury recovery. There is a possibility he could play second base as well. While Altuve won a Gold Glove at the position, age has begun to show, and errors have become more frequent. The Astros also have Christian Walker, a three-time Gold Glove at first base, who was just signed on a $60 million contract last season.
Why the Astros Would Trade for Brendan Donovan?
A primary reason the Astros might trade for Donovan is his high-quality left-handed bat. Houston is right-handed-heavy, and Donovan is a good hitter who can balance their lineup. The 28-year-old had arguably the best season of his career in 2025, with a .287 average and .775 OPS.
Donovan hit 10 home runs and drove in 50 runs while being a patient and disciplined hitter. Donovan has an above-average walk rate of 9.1%. That would be great for a Houston offense looking to retool its approach. He has also been fairly consistent as a career .287 hitter, and hit 14 home runs with 73 RBI in 2024.
How Donovan Fits the Astros
Ideally, the Astros would be looking for someone who can play first or second base or a corner outfield position. Donovan meets that criterion perfectly, with a Gold Glove award at the utility position back in 2022 as a rookie. That season, Donovan saw action at all infield positions except catcher, along with left and right field.
In this scenario, the South Alabama product would split time with Yordan Alvarez in left, fill in at second, or play first if Houston trades Walker. Donovan has started 202 games at second base, also 139 starts in left, and 16 at first. This is the perfect offensive player for the Astros to acquire, but can they get him?
Can the Astros Get Brendan Donovan?
The answer is probably not. Although Donovan is quite affordable financially, with just a projected $5.4 million arbitration salary for this season, a trade would cost Houston significantly. The Cardinals will not give away a young, talented utility man with a hot bat and glove without considerable return.
Houston has already given up two top prospects, Jacob Melton and Anderson Brito, in Mike Burrows trade earlier this month. They would likely have to part ways with either Paredes or Walker while potentially adding another one of their top prospects or draft picks. There is a case to be made that it might be worth it, given Donovan’s potential and production.
Astros Position in Trade Talks
Right now, the Astros are not mentioned as often in relation to Donovan as they were last month. Other potential suitors, such as the Mariners or Red Sox, have shown strong interest. Houston already got Allen, who is a Gold Glove nominee at shortstop but one of the worst hitters in the majors. He’s only good as a bench option.
There is an expectation that Houston will make a significant move offensively. Donovan would be very well received if it somehow happened.
Main Photo Credits: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images