Why Astros are a 'perfect' trade destination for Cardinals' Gold Glove All-Star

The Houston Astros have begun their offseason with a clear plan to stay under the luxury tax, and their moves so far have been emblematic of that strategy.

They traded Mauricio Dubon to the Atlanta Braves for Nick Allen, saving some money in the process. But that saved money isn't going to be wasted, as Jim Crane and Houston plan to use it to improve the roster.

St. Louis Cardinals All-Star, Gold Glove infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan is a potential trade target. And for MLB Network insider Jon Morosi, the Astros are a "perfect" landing spot for the versatile left-handed hitter.

Why Astros are 'perfect' landing spot for Brendan Donovan

"And by the way, the Astros... they moved (Mauricio) Dubon's money to Atlanta, that frees up some room there for what I think is a great need for a left-handed batter," Morosi reports. "Donovan to Houston is about as perfect of a match as you are going to find in the trade market."

.@jonmorosi reports that Cardinals' utilityman Brendan Donovan is a highly sought-after trade candidate this offseason. #MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/nbbuwtTX1E

Houston needs to bolster their lineup with a left-handed hitter, and Donovan would be a great addition to do so. He's capable of hitting left-handed pitching, hitting ..230 against left-handed pitchers with a .614 OPS in 2025.

But his main use will come against right-handed pitchers with the Astros' righty-heavy lineup. Donovan had a .315 average and an .853 OPS against righties.

The 28-year-old infielder/outfielder has experience at second base and in the outfield. If Houston brings him in, Donovan could play in a few different spots if needed.

More: Insider questions how the Astros will solve their infield logjam

With two years of control left, Donovan would be a great addition to the Astros' lineup and defense. As Morosi said, the Astros are a "perfect" landing spot for Donovan this winter.

While their infield logjam will be an issue to address, acquiring Donovan would be a move worth the headache. Not only is he a great defender, but he's a quality contact-hitter who's hit .282 in his MLB career.

The Cardinals' All-Star is garnering a lot of trade interest as St. Louis enters a rebuild, and the Astros make the most sense as a landing spot for Donovan this winter.

The Astros are interested, and they're viewed as a perfect landing spot. A trade of Donovan to Houston makes a lot of sense, and time will tell if Dana Brown can pull off this "perfect" trade.

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