Red Sox get big trade update on Brendan Donovan amid updated rumors

The Boston Red Sox are in a much different spot than most anticipated this offseason. They've lost Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs, and now are in much more dire need of an infielder.

Whether it's a second baseman or a third baseman, the Red Sox need a new infielder. And with Ranger Suarez signing on for $130 million, the trade market is much more likely their target.

And with Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals being a target of the Red Sox this winter, it wouldn't be a surprise if that link got stronger. However, a report from Ari Alexander of 7 News indicates the opposite is true, with Donovan not nearly as strong an option to come to Boston.

Red Sox trade update on Brendan Donovan is big news

"The prevailing thought from industry sources is that the Red Sox prefer to deal for a right-handed bat," Alexander reports. "That would put Brendan Donovan toward the bottom of the list of perceived fits."

If Boston is planning to go after a right-handed hitter to bolster their infield, then Donovan, a lefty, doesn't make as much sense as he did before.

Instead, someone like Alex Bohm (if the Philadelphia Phillies sign Bo Bichette), Nico Hoerner, or Isaac Paredes would make the most sense.

Ketel Marte would be the dream for Boston fans, but it's not likely after the Arizona Diamondbacks took him off the trade market last week.

More: Red Sox linked to frustrating Alex Bregman replacements after Cubs deal

In free agency, Eugenio Suarez would be their best fit, while players like Matt Shaw or Mark Vientos are more under-the-radar trade options if Boston gets desperate.

But what this update from Alexander reveals, if nothing else, is that Donovan, or any left-handed hitting infielder, isn't nearly high enough on the Red Sox list of targets this winter at this point in the offseason.

A trade is likely with Boston this winter, thanks to their surplus of 10 starting pitchers who are Major League caliber. Jarren Duran could also be dealt, but expect another move from Craig Breslow and company, just maybe not with a lefty hitter.

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