Losing a star player like Alex Bregman to free agency has left the Boston Red Sox in a real bind. But here's where it gets controversial: could their own rising star, Marcelo Mayer, be the reason they don't pursue a trade for Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals? It might seem counterintuitive, but let’s break it down.
After Bregman’s departure to the Chicago Cubs, the Red Sox are scrambling to fill the void. While Donovan’s name has surfaced as a potential trade target—thanks in part to the Sox’s history with Chaim Bloom and the Cardinals’ front office—it’s not as straightforward as it seems. In 2025, Donovan had a solid season, batting .287 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs, even earning his first All-Star nod. His versatility in the field would appear to make him an attractive option for Boston. But here’s the twist: the Red Sox are prioritizing giving Marcelo Mayer more playing time, particularly at second or third base, which could sideline any serious pursuit of Donovan.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Sox’s surplus of left-handed hitters—including Mayer—makes Donovan a less appealing option. Mayer, just 23, had a limited 136 plate appearances last season before undergoing season-ending wrist surgery. The team is clearly invested in his development, and giving him more at-bats seems to be a higher priority than acquiring Donovan.
And this is the part most people miss: while Donovan could certainly help in the infield, he’s not the perfect fit for Boston’s current needs. Players like Nico Hoerner or Eugenio Suarez might make more sense for the Red Sox, and the front office seems more inclined to pursue those options. Still, in the unpredictable world of baseball, no option is entirely off the table—at least not until the Sox make their next move.
But here’s the bold question: Is the Red Sox’s focus on developing Mayer a smart long-term strategy, or are they missing out on a proven talent like Donovan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
