Red Sox Trade Rumors: Cardinals Willing To Move Veterans

The Boston Red Sox are exploring all avenues to improve their roster in 2026, including via the trade market. According to Ken Rosenthal, the St. Louis Cardinals are looking to trade veteran pieces, making them an attractive trade partner for Boston.

Rosenthal mentions several players who could depart St. Louis this offseason. Among them are starting pitcher Sonny Gray and infielder Brendan Donovan.

Gray, 36, is an interesting target for the Red Sox. Craig Breslow has expressed the desire to add a number two starter to pair with Garrett Crochet, and Gray has a long track record of success. In 2025, he struck out 26.7% of hitters while walking just five percent; his ERA was high at 4.28, but his FIP was much lower at 3.39. His home run per fly ball rate of 22.7% was well above league average and should come down, though a move to Fenway Park might not be the best fit.

Brendan Donovan is another potential target for the Red Sox. Donovan plays all over the infield, but primarily worked as a second baseman in 2025. He has experience at shortstop and third base as well, and profiles as an average defender. His bat is what makes him a fit for Boston. Although the Red Sox are already lefty-heavy, Donovan puts the ball in play at a high rate and rarely ever strikes out. Boston was 21st in the league in strikeout rate last season and needs to improve in that area.

Rosenthal also mentions Alec Burleson as someone the Cardinals could move. Burleson, like Donovan, puts the ball in play frequently from the left side. He primarily plays first base, but has spent time in the corner outfield spots as well. He’s more limited defensively and likely isn’t a fit given the Red Sox’s current roster construction.

Former Red Sox President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom now heads up the Cardinals’ front office, which could help facilitate a deal. Bloom is familiar with the Red Sox farm system, as he helped build it during his tenure at the helm.

Familiarity between front offices is often a factor in trade negotiations. The Red Sox traded with the Cardinals at the 2025 deadline, acquiring Steven Matz in exchange for minor league first baseman Blaze Jordan. The GM meetings wrap up on Wednesday.