An interesting MLB rumor opens the door for the New York Yankees to address two issues with a pair of All-Star-level players.
Like every offseason for the last 30 years, the Yankees are expected to be active to improve the roster. This past season, New York again won 94 games. However, the results were far different than last year. Instead of getting back to the World Series, they were ousted in the Divisional Series by rivals the Toronto Blue Jays.
Winning back-to-back games and having the reigning AL MVP, Aaron Judge, shows they aren’t far off from winning another title. They just need to make certain tweaks to bolster their chances in 2026. Reports state that an impact arm for the middle of the rotation will be a priority. Furthermore, getting another player with defensive versatility would also be a big plus.
Well, one particular team would be a perfect trade partner for the Yankees to do that this offseason. “The St. Louis Cardinals could trade multiple All-Stars in their first offseason under new president Chaim Bloom,” according to USA TODAY MLB insider Bob Nightengale.
“Starting pitcher Sonny Gray and utilityman Brendan Donovan are also expected to draw interest, and Bloom openly discussed the possibility of trading Gray, who is due $35 million in 2026.”
Why the Yankees should target a trade for Sonny Gray and Brendan Donovan
On paper, the New York Yankees will have a great top three in their rotation. Max Fried was fantastic in his debut season in the Bronx. One-time Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole with be back after Tommy John surgery, and Carlos Rodon slots in as a strong No. 3 starter.
However, Cole and Rodon will not both be ready for the start of the season. It’s why New York is looking for impact depth to add to the starting staff and be a good middle-of-the-rotation player when everyone is healthy. Three-time All-Star Sonny Gray feels like a perfect fit. Especially if the Cards are willing to pick up some of the money he is owed, as has been rumored.
Although he had a down year in 2025 and struggled in his lone full season in New York in 2018, as an eventual fourth starter, Gray is way above average and could easily have a bounce-back season next year.
This past season, Brendan Donovan had a breakthrough year and earned All-Star honors for the first time. Posting a slashline of .287/.353/.422/.775 in 115 games. He is a rock-solid hitter, but he is an elite utility man who can play multiple spots in the infield and in the corner outfield.
He would give them a great backup option to Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ryan McMahon, but also make it far easier to bench Anthony Volpe if he doesn’t show improvement this spring. Plus, if they do lose Cody Bellinger in free agency, he could be a replacement option in left field.
