AP Photo/Adam Hunger
As the early stages of the 2025 Major League Baseball season unfold, a bright spot has emerged for the St. Louis Cardinals. The consistent, high-level play of infielder Brendan Donovan. Known for his defensive versatility and disciplined approach at the plate, Donovan has elevated his game to new heights in the season’s early stages, quickly establishing himself as one of the National League’s most productive hitters and a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ lineup.
Through the first month and change of the 2025 campaign, Donovan has been nothing short of spectacular. His performance at the plate has been a significant upgrade from his already solid career numbers, marked by a batting average hovering around .330 to .340 – a considerable jump from his career average entering the year. This isn’t just empty contact; Donovan is getting on base at an exceptional clip, with an on-base percentage routinely sitting near the .400 mark. Additionally, his slugging percentage has seen a dramatic increase, hovering close to .500. This combination has resulted in an OPS that places him among the elite offensive players in the league in the early going.
Donovan Sees Power Surge
For a player whose value has often been tied to his versatility and contact skills, this surge in power is a particularly encouraging development. His Isolated Power, a measure of a hitter’s raw power, and his hard hit percentage are notably up in 2025 compared to previous seasons. While he may not be launching tape-measure shots with every swing, Donovan is driving the ball with more authority. This results in more extra-base hits and contributes significantly to the Cardinals’ run production. His three home runs and nearly 20 RBIs in the early part of the season, accumulated over roughly 120-130 at-bats, are strong indicators of this newfound pop.
Beyond the raw numbers, Donovan’s plate discipline remains a defining characteristic of his game, and it continues to serve him well. He boasts an impressive walk rate while keeping his strikeout rate remarkably low, a testament to his advanced approach and ability to consistently put the ball in play. In an era of increasing strikeout totals, Donovan’s ability to control the strike zone and force pitchers to throw strikes is a valuable asset that ignites rallies and wears down opposing staffs.
Donovan’s Versatility is a Key to the Cardinals’ Success
Defensively, Donovan continues to be the versatile maestro the Cardinals rely upon. While he has predominantly played second base, showcasing flawless defense with a perfect fielding percentage through the early part of the season, he has also seamlessly shifted to shortstop and left field when needed. This defensive flexibility is invaluable to the Cardinals, allowing manager Oliver Marmol significant roster flexibility and ensuring a high level of defense across multiple positions. His early defensive prowess this season even brings to mind his Gold Glove-winning campaign in 2022, suggesting he could be on track for further defensive accolades.
Donovan’s scorching start has been a critical component of the Cardinals’ offense, providing a consistent spark plug near the top of the lineup. Despite the team experiencing some early-season inconsistencies, Donovan has been a daily bright spot, delivering clutch hits and setting the table for his teammates. His ability to get on base ahead of the team’s power hitters has been crucial in manufacturing runs.
Donovan is a Student of the Game
What’s behind this career-best start? While attributing it to a single factor is difficult, reports have suggested that new hitting approaches implemented by the Cardinals’ coaching staff may be playing a role. Donovan, ever the diligent student of the game, appears to have made some adjustments that have unlocked more of his offensive potential. Furthermore, he’s done it without sacrificing his elite contact skills or plate discipline.
Looking ahead, the question naturally arises: Can Brendan Donovan sustain this level of production throughout the entire 2025 season? While maintaining a near .340 batting average over 162 games is a tall order for any player. His elite plate discipline and increased hard contact suggest that this early-season performance is more than just a fluke. He has demonstrated an obvious improvement in driving the ball and appears to be in peak form.
Star Potential
Brendan Donovan’s emergence as an offensive force in the early part of the 2025 season is one of the most compelling storylines for the St. Louis Cardinals. His blend of high-average hitting, improved power, unwavering plate discipline, and Gold Glove-caliber defense makes him an incredibly valuable player. As the season progresses, Cardinals fans will be eagerly watching to see if Donovan can continue his brilliant beginning and potentially earn his first career All-Star selection, solidifying his place as a true star in Major League Baseball.
