One-third into the 2025 MLB season, Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals has emerged as a frontrunner for the All-MLB second team, according to a panel of MLB.com experts. Donovan’s impressive performance both at the plate and in the field has drawn significant attention as the Cardinals continue their campaign.

The experts, after predicting that Arizona Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte would secure a spot on the first team, highlighted Donovan’s breakout contributions during this season. The 28-year-old second baseman is leading the National League with 66 hits and 18 doubles, and boasts an .853 OPS that tops all qualified second basemen.

Donovan’s Growth and Impact on the Cardinals’ Lineup

Brendan Donovan has built on his consistent track record from previous years, where he posted a solid .280/.364/.407 slash line between 2022 and 2024. This season, he is batting an impressive .328, showing marked improvement and increased productivity. His doubles totals are on pace to surpass Matt Carpenter’s 55 doubles in 2013, which remains the franchise record for a left-handed hitter.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol praised Donovan’s approach at the plate, emphasizing the player’s smart hitting and strategic decisions.

“He’s not trying to do too much and because of that he’s getting a high level of production out of it,”

Marmol said.

“He’s staying on balls and going the other way, and he knows when to take his shots. He’s becoming more of a smart hitter and knows when to do what and he’s being rewarded for it.”

Defensive Versatility and Gold Glove-Caliber Play

Beyond his offensive abilities, Donovan continues to impress defensively. He earned the distinction of being the first rookie in Cardinals history to win a Gold Glove in 2022 and has demonstrated remarkable fielding consistency this season, having committed only one error in his last 89 games. His versatility is notable, as he has played every position for the Cardinals except centerfield and catcher across his four seasons with the team.

Competition Among Second Basemen for All-MLB Honors

While Donovan leads the pack for second basemen this season, other contenders for All-MLB recognition include Baltimore Orioles’ Jackson Holliday, Detroit Tigers’ Gleyber Torres, and Los Angeles Dodgers’ Tommy Edman, a former Cardinal who played with St. Louis from 2019 to 2023.

MLB.com’s Manny Randhawa summed up Donovan’s growing profile, stating,

“While we’re on the topic of underrated players, Donovan certainly fits the bill. The scrappy St. Louis second baseman leads the NL in hits (66) and doubles (18) to go along with an .853 OPS. He posted a .280/.364/.407 slash line from 2022-24.”

As Donovan continues to deliver strong performances through the remainder of the season, his chances of officially securing a spot on the 2025 All-MLB second team look increasingly likely. His balanced combination of hitting, smart approach, and defensive skill is making him a pivotal figure for the Cardinals and a player to watch closely.