The Dodgers' search for a new bat continues, and a surprising candidate is gaining traction: UTIL Brendan Donovan. But is he the right fit?
With recent updates on the Kyle Tucker saga, let's shift our focus to Donovan, a player who has been on our radar this offseason. Donovan, a 29-year-old second baseman for the Cardinals, has shown impressive skills at the plate. Since his debut in 2022, he's maintained a solid batting line of .282/.361/.411 with a 119 wRC+, comparable to the likes of Riley Greene, Ian Happ, and Eugenio Suarez. His contact rate is exceptional, ranking 12th in baseball with an 86.8% Contact% and 10th with a 93.4% Z-Contact%.
Here's a snippet from our previous analysis of Donovan's potential as an outfielder:
"He's a decent hitter with a .287/.353/.422 batting line and a 119 wRC+. He draws walks (9.1 BB%) and keeps strikeouts in check (13.5 K%), and there's a hint of power in his left-handed swing. While his average exit velocity isn't elite, he excels in the 94th and 96th percentiles for launch angle sweet spot and ball-squaring skills. His defensive skills in left field are average, with 1,245 2/3 innings played, a 0 DRS, and -2 OAA. His bat is solid, but not typical for a left fielder. He's under team control until 2027, making the acquisition cost a potential concern unless he's utilized in a utility role."
While Donovan's bat is more suited for an infielder, his 19% above-average wRC+ is impressive. With Tommy Edman's health uncertain for the start of the season, bringing in Donovan to cover second base could be a strategic move. It might also reflect on Hyeseong Kim's performance, as his rookie season stats don't inspire confidence. Donovan's approach is unique among Dodger hitters, with his strike zone control, high contact rate, and non-power hitter profile.
Acquiring Donovan wouldn't solve the Dodgers' right-field defensive woes, but it would provide depth and insurance against injuries, especially with an aging roster. If Donovan can give key players like Mookie Betts, Edman, and Max Muncy occasional rest, it could be a valuable addition.
Despite the Cardinals' recent trades, they won't let Donovan go easily. He's under team control until 2027, and his 2026 arbitration number is a reasonable $5.8 million. The Dodgers have no untouchable prospects, but Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope, and Eduardo Quintero are likely off the table. Potential trade pieces could include LHP Jackson Ferris, OF Kendall George, RHP Kyle Hurt, RHP River Ryan, LHP Adam Serwinowski, OF Mike Sirota, OF/1B James Tibbs III, and RHP Christian Zazueta. Including Sirota might be a tough call, but the Dodgers can't keep all their outfield prospects. A trade centered around River Ryan could be more palatable for the Dodgers, who could also offer Gavin Stone as a headline player, given their surplus of starting pitchers.
Infielder Alex Freeland might not be a priority for the Cardinals, who have Masyn Winn at shortstop and top prospect JJ Wetherholt almost MLB-ready. This could make Donovan more expendable for St. Louis. A potential trade between the Dodgers and Cardinals seems feasible, and it would prevent Donovan from joining the Giants, who are also showing interest.
While signing Cody Bellinger or Tucker would be the simplest solution to the Dodgers' outfield needs, acquiring Donovan as the main bat addition this offseason could be a satisfactory outcome.
