The Kansas City Royals have been building a team that’s more than ready to contend in the AL Central over the last few seasons.
While the bullpen and rotation look strong, the lineup could still use some upgrades. They’ve explored a lot of outfield additions, and while the most recent player they’re showing interest in could take an outfield role, he could also take Jonathan India’s spot.
According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Royals are showing interest in Gold Glove, All-Star St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan. He could replace India, or even be moved to the outfield as a unique solution to the outfield issue this winter.
Royals have interest in Brendan Donovan to replace Jonathan India, or play in OF
“The Kansas City Royals remain among the teams interested (in Donovan),” Sammon and Rosenthal report.
The 29-year-old second baseman was an All-Star in 2025, as he hit .287 with a 2.7 bWAR season for the Cardinals. While he’s not the most prolific hitter, especially when it comes to power (career-high of 14 home runs), he’s a quality hitter and fielder.
This past season, he played 100 games at second base, meaning his most likely spot on the Royals roster would be as India’s replacement.
India is 29 years old, just like Donovan, but he’s under control through just 2026. Donovan has an extra year of control, becoming a free agent after the 2027 season. Kansas City could get an extra year of control by switching from India to Donovan.
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But that’s not the only possible reason why the Royals are interested in Donovan. The Cardinals’ 29-year-old can also play in the outfield.
He logged 18 games in left field for the Cardinals in 2025, and while he wasn’t as good a defender, he could take over an outfield spot for the Royals in 2026 if they make this trade and want to keep India.
Donovan is a lefty hitter, unlike India, so the Royals could get creative with platoons if needed to have both on the roster this upcoming season if they make a trade.
This is one possible move to keep an eye out for this offseason. It might not be the cleanest fit, but it’s an intriguing one that could help the offense and defense in one move, even if it does cost a bit in a trade.
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