StonesJournal

The Cardinals have a commodity of major-league talent that doesn’t quite fit their newfound timeline. A commitment to a rebuild through trade is the most sensible move for the new look Redbird front office. AJ Stone explores a few potential trade ideas that could take place in the 2025/2026 offseason.

Written By: AJ Stone (12/9/25)

Trades:

Moving on from Sonny Gray headlined the beginning of what could shape up to be a trying offseason for the Redbird faithful. On Nov. 25, the Boston Red Sox sent back a package that included young starter Richard Fitts and an upcoming left-handed pitching prospect, Brandon Clarke, in exchange for Gray, who turned 36 less than a month prior.

Fitts saw time at the MLB level for the Red Sox and put up lackluster numbers, but he has the stuff to remain at the highest level and not bounce between the minor leagues and the big club. Although he didn’t spend enough time with the Red Sox to qualify for advanced metrics, Fitts shows good extension and a fastball velocity that sits well above the major league average.

Clarke, 22, is the real prize in this deal. He has only pitched one professional season and, although he struggled with walks, his stuff and velocity make up for his lack of command. He racked up 38 minor league innings to the tune of a 4.03 ERA without allowing a single home run.

If Clarke can find a way to either be in the zone a bit more or make his pitches slightly more tantalizing to induce more chase outside of the zone, he could be a seriously deadly weapon for the St. Louis rotation, or, at the bare minimum, a very effective left-handed reliever.

This move sets up the Cardinals supremely for the rest of the offseason. Gray was a big, expiring contract, and he wasn’t going to be the difference between making and missing the playoffs. This move screams tear down, and the Cardinals definitely have valuable enough pieces that could bring back enough assets to turn this thing around in a hurry.

PLAYER 1: Brendan Donovan (UTL)

Brendan Donovan has already been a hot topic in this year’s trade market. Nearly half the league has checked in on his availability. According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Cardinals would need to be “blown away” by an offer for them to move Donovan.

In my opinion, this is a marketing tactic from Bloom to not seem desperate to get Donovan’s true value and avoid being lowballed by the rest of the league.

Donovan is coming off his first All-Star selection and has already won the utility Gold Glove. The underlying metrics showcase that his season was no fluke. He is simply one of the game’s more elite contact hitters.

“Donnie” put up an xBA that ranked in the 93rd percentile of the league and ranked above the 90th percentile in whiff percentage and strikeout percentage. Simply put: he’s a TOUGH out.

His presence makes a lineup better. Any team in need of a true leadoff hitter could set and forget him at the top of their order, never look back, AND possess the option to utilize his positional flexibility.

TOP 3 FITS:

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

In Kansas City, Donovan would likely slot in as their everyday second baseman.

Currently, the Royals have Michael Massey projected to get the most playing time at 2B, and I think it would be a huge mistake not to go out and improve second base with a bat like Donovan’s for their lineup.

Cornerstones like Vinnie Pasquantino, Bobby Witt Jr., and Salvador Perez have all proven themselves as consistent run producers. The Royals lack in the on-base department to supply those batters with people to drive in. Donovan fits not only the mold of their team, ballpark, and clubhouse, but would also slot perfectly into the top of their lineup.

The Royals’ minor league system has an absence of depth, so trading prospects strictly could cost 3-4 different names. It could be mutually beneficial for them to dip into the surplus of young rostered pitching to bring back Donovan.

Mock Trade:

Royals receive: Brendan Donovan (UTL)

Cardinals receive: Noah Cameron (SP), Kendry Chourio (KCR #8, SP), PTBNL

CLEVELAND GUARDIANS

The Guardians are in a tad different spot than the Royals, but they tend to operate differently than most teams as it is.

Outfielder Steven Kwan has already cemented himself as their leadoff hitter and will likely remain in that position day in and day out, barring a move before he requires a contract extension.

Donovan would be more of a run producer in the scrappy Cleveland lineup and could provide help at multiple positions, although I’m sure he would spend most of his time at second base. The Guardians have a ton of talented offensive prospects on the come-up in their system and would likely have to part with a few of them to bring in Donovan.

Mock Trade:

Cleveland receives: Brendan Donovan (UTL)

Cardinals receive: Ralphy Valesquez (CLE #8, 1B/OF), Alfonsin Soriano (CLE #12, OF), PTBNL

NEW YORK YANKEES

The Yankees are the only team that would be trading for Brendan Donovan as a pure utility player.

The Bronx Bombers currently have Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base and Ryan McMahon at third base. Donovan would most likely see more time in the Yankee outfield and could slot in the infield to give days off or provide a spark if someone is struggling.

This trade makes sense from a depth perspective, which is something the Yankees have consistently lacked in their recent history. New York could choose to part ways with their young talent at the big league level or move on from some players towards the upper levels of their minor league system that are blocked.

Yankees receive: Brendan Donovan (UTL)

Cardinals receive: Brock Selvidge (NYY #10, SP), Jorbit Vivas (SS/2B)

PLAYER 2: Alec Burleson (1B/OF)

Alec Burleson is coming off by far the best year of his young career.

Consistently throughout his Cardinal tenure, analysts have talked about his potential as a hitter due to his lack of swing and miss and the raw power he possesses. This past season, Burleson, 27, walked away with the utility Silver Slugger and owned an OPS+ of 125 (25% better than league average). His career year creates a unique opportunity for the Cardinals to move on at peak value.

Although Burleson has now proven himself as an everyday major league bat, it’s shaping up to look like his defense and baserunning could continue to hold him back going forward in his career. In a 2025 season where he put up such remarkable offensive numbers, he still only amounted to 1.9 WAR, via Baseball Reference.

Burleson should command a promising return, due to the team control he possesses and, also, his ability to play first base and corner outfield even as a below-average defender.

TOP 3 FITS:

SAN DIEGO PADRES

The Padres are in a tough spot right now and have made it very clear they are uncomfortable spending serious money in free agency. That being said, Burleson holds team control and is well within their price range, even with a diluted farm system.

Expect San Diego to send back young, major league-ready talent from their top 10 prospects. Burleson would likely spend most of his time at DH, hypothetically, but would add immense depth to an already competitive lineup.

Mock Trade:

Padres receive: Alec Burleson (1B/DH)

Cardinals receive: Miguel Mendez (SDP #5, SP), Tiso Ornelas (SDP #11, OF)

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

The Orioles are looking to bounce back from a dreadful season. Burleson would provide the O’s with a clear direction at first base and designated hitter while they try to figure out how young prospect Samuel Basallo fits into their organization.

If Basallo were to take over the reins at first base, Burleson could easily make the transition to corner outfield, providing Baltimore with an above-average bat. The Orioles would likely move on from pieces currently competing with Burleson, in addition to other prospects who are far away from being major league-ready.

Mock Trade:

Orioles receive: Alec Burleson (1B/DH)

Cardinals receive: Coby Mayo (1B), Vance Honeycutt (BAL #18, OF)

CINCINNATI REDS

An in-division trade is always risky, but this one feels like it could be a good fit for both sides.

The Reds have a great deal of young, talented arms at the major league level and upper levels of the minor leagues. The Cardinals have young hitters to move on from.

Burleson would slot into the Reds lineup at first base, designated hitter, or the corner outfield, all depending on where Cincinnati sees young slugger Sal Stewart playing. The Reds flipping starting pitcher Nick Lodolo for Alec Burleson would be a very mutually beneficial deal. Both players hit their stride last season, and Cincinnati is looking for competent major league hitters while the Cardinals need reliable starters. Pitcher Rhett Lowder could immediately fill the hole that Lodolo would leave in the rotation.

The Cardinals could reallocate Burleson’s at-bats to younger players from their farm system who have the potential to be a part of the organization’s future.

Mock Trade:

Reds receive: Alec Burleson (1B/DH)

Cardinals receive: Nick Lodolo (SP)

PLAYER 3: JOJO ROMERO (RP)

JoJo Romero has become a household name within the realm of St. Louis since he was acquired in the previous Edmundo Sosa trade. His Cardinals tenure has been phenomenal to say the least, lessening the blow of losing Sosa (a fan favorite during his time in the Lou), who has remained a productive player in Philadelphia. A true win/win trade.

I stand by the assumption that bad teams don’t need good relievers. Locking down saves and winning games in late innings won’t be the difference for a team in the midst of a rebuild, and can also be a detriment to draft status. JoJo’s value to the team is as a trade asset, and he has the potential to net a top ten prospect from another organization.

TOP 3 FITS:

BOSTON RED SOX

The Red Sox have an urgent need for a new left-handed reliever after losing bullpen staple Brennen Bernardino in a trade this offseason.

Romero would provide exactly what they are looking for, and could also be used in late-game situations, earning a career high in saves during his 2025 campaign (8). Boston should be able to add his services for a medium-tier prospect that isn’t necessarily a part of their sweeping future plans.

Mock Trade:

Boston Receives: JoJo Romero (RP)

Cardinals Receive: John Holobetz (BOS #18, SP)

MIAMI MARLINS

Miami is starting to gear up for what could be a potential playoff push; however, if they’re going to continue to add, it needs to be few and far between and in the trade market.

The Marlins don’t have the cash to compete with big-market teams while being a year or two away from a legitimate reason to try and sign a big name. Romero would give them some flexibility in an already talented bullpen. Miami would likely have to part ways with a solid prospect due to its farm system lacking depth.

Mock Trade:

Marlins Receive: JoJo Romero (RP)

Cardinals Receive: PJ Morlando (MIA #14, OF)

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

The Angels have started to build something that shows a lot of promise.

Their young core, on the offensive side, has really come together these past few seasons, and the addition of Grayson Rodriguez leaves Los Angeles a starter away from having a solid rotation.

Romero could give the Angels a reliable left-on-left option in the bullpen who can also handle righties with a devastating changeup. He could also find himself closing games for this team in a pinch, which could be mutually beneficial if it works out. The Angels would likely have to trade a fairly solid prospect due to their lackluster farm system.

Mock Trade:

Angels Receive: JoJo Romero (RP)

Cardinals Receive: Trey Gregory-Alford (LAA #9, SP)

PLAYER 4: NOLAN ARENADO (3B)

You can’t create a list or offseason plan like this without the likes of Cardinals aging superstar Nolan Arenado.

The last two seasons, Arenado has been atrocious. While his defense remains good enough to play him every day in the field, his bat has aged like milk left out in the St. Louis summer. Arenado lacks the bat speed to turn on pitches he used to hammer. This is something that has become a direct detriment to his offensive game, as he has always outperformed his expected statistics because of how often he was able to pull the baseball in the air.

The Cardinals will likely get a minimal return for him, potentially having to eat some cash to free up a roster spot for a younger player. The return on this trade (similar to the Sonny Gray trade) depends entirely on the amount of money that the Cardinals are willing to take on. Arenado does possess a no-trade clause that came into play last offseason. The Cardinals had a trade lined up with Houston, and Arenado ended up vetoing the deal. Reports suggest that Arenado is much more open to the idea of a trade now and that his list of teams will expand.

I also get the sense that, at this point in Arenado’s career, he might find more success adopting a contact-oriented approach that focuses on putting the ball in play and using his ability to go to the opposite field. This would be the exact opposite of how he approached hitting in his prime when he owned the bat speed and power to turn on pitches and drive them in the air for extra-base hits.

TOP 3 FITS:

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

The Angels are the clear best fit for Arenado.

The Halos have continued to meddle in mediocrity for about as long as most modern baseball fans can remember. The last time they finished over the .500 mark was the 2015 season. This showcases the troublesome state of their organization and also the motivation to turn things around.

Arenado would provide a veteran presence at third base and stability in the field for an otherwise young team that continues to learn on the job. The Angels have Denzer Guzman projected to command time at the hot corner. The addition of Arenado would make them a much more sound team.

If the Cardinals send over a large sum of cash with Arenado, Los Angeles might have to cough up a mid-tier prospect. If not, the Angels could flip a bad contract of their own and possibly an unranked minor leaguer.

Mock Trade:

Angels Receive: Nolan Arenado (3B), $14 million.

Cardinals Receive: Marlon Quintero (LAA #26, C), PTBNL

SEATTLE MARINERS

The Mariners are in a similar boat to the Angels, lacking a true everyday third baseman. Eugenio Suarez lent Seattle his services after being acquired during last season’s trade deadline, but was a rental player and is now an unrestricted free agent.

Arenado would provide a simple plug-and-play option at third base for a Seattle team looking to make a deep playoff run in 2026. This trade would likely include the Cardinals eating a large sum of Arenado’s contract, as the Mariners still have other areas of their team that need addressing.

Mock Trade:

Mariners Receive: Nolan Arenado (3B), $18 million.

Cardinals Receive: Yorger Bautista (SEA #10, OF)

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

The Diamondbacks are in a place where it feels like they need to pick a direction as a franchise.

Arizona currently has former top prospect Jordan Lawlar penciled in at third base, and even though he holds a high-standing pedigree, they haven’t shown much trust in the injury-riddled 23-year-old these past few seasons.

The Snakes could nab Arenado for next to nothing right now, and his defensive presence alone could provide some calm in the midst of an organizational storm.

Mock Trade:

Diamondbacks Receive: Nolan Arenado (3B), $15 million.

Cardinals Receive: Druw Jones (ARI #14, OF)

PLAYER 5: Willson Contreras (1B/C)

To start things off, Contreras’s contract includes a no-trade clause, so for any trade to go through, he would have to sign off on it. Recent reports have suggested that Contreras has started to open up to the idea of a potential trade and may start to give the Cardinals a list of teams he would find acceptable.

Moving on from Contreras makes sense from the standpoint of two facts: age and value. Contreras is currently 33 years of age, and the prime of his career is likely fading. As we have seen with Nolan Arenado, you never know when an aging player might nosedive. It would be a good idea to shop Contreras now while his value is high and he could bring back legitimate, major league-ready pieces to a team that is looking to rebuild and start from the ground up.

Willson’s asking price will be high, and the Cardinals should expect a valiant return for the exchange of his offensive prowess.

TOP 3 FITS:

SAN DIEGO PADRES

This, to me, is the definition of a perfect fit.

Contreras has the energy, swagger, and skill to be the perfect Padre. He would slot in at either first base or designated hitter and could provide a very effective platoon with first baseman Gavin Sheets, who had a really nice 2025 season. Willson is coming off yet another solid season and also has team control.

For the Padres to make this happen, general manager AJ Preller would yet again have to send off a haul of top prospects (we all know he’s more than willing to do so).

Mock Trade:

Padres Receive: Willson Contreras (1B/C), $8 million.

Cardinals Receive: Bradgley Rodriguez (SDP #6, SP), Ryan Wideman (SDP #13, OF), Garret Hawkins (SDP #19, RP)

MIAMI MARLINS

The Marlins have expressed they’re shifting into win-now mode after an overachieving season.

Miami currently lacks quality major league bats that have proven themselves over a long period of time. Despite their young talent, I think it could benefit their roster to add someone like Contreras, a proven player and natural leader in the clubhouse.

Miami would have to part ways with top pitching prospects and, potentially, MLB-ready arms to make the deal happen.

Mock Trade:

Marlins Receive: Willson Contreras (1B/C), $5 million.

Cardinals Receive: Braxton Garrett (SP), Noble Meyer (MIA #9, SP), Matthew Etzel (MIA #29, OF)

TEXAS RANGERS

The Rangers could use some offensive talent to help propel them back to relevancy in championship talk. They aren’t far off, and Contreras could be their missing piece.

Texas has Jake Burger slotted in at first base, and although his bat has upside, he lacks any kind of defensive value. Willson could fit in at first base and allow for Jake Burger to be used in a platoon role with the current projected designated hitter, Joc Pederson.

The Rangers would have to part ways with some of their big-name prospects due to their subpar farm system.

Mock Trade:

Rangers Receive: Willson Contreras (1B/C), $10 million.

Cardinals Receive: Jose Corniell (TEX #3, SP), Elorky Rodriguez (TEX #10, 2B/OF), Abimelec Ortiz (TEX #18, 1B/OF), PTBNL

Conclusion: 

St. Louis has a unique opportunity to start over and reset the rotten culture of a once virtuous franchise. New faces in familiar places create the opportunity for such a culture shift to take place. The end of a chapter in a story riddled with success, this offseason has the potential to serve as the beginning of something great for the St. Louis Cardinals.