MLB trade rumors: Cardinals, Blue Jays have discussed Josh Donaldson

The Cards continue to be in the mix for big names. Will they land one at the Winter Meetings?

After missing on a deal for Giancarlo Stanton, the Cardinals have their eyes on another big bat in Blue Jays’ third basemen Josh Donaldson.

The Cardinals have reached out to the Blue Jays to discuss a potential deal, but Toronto appears set on keeping three-time All-Star and adding around him for the 2018 season to hopefully keep him north of the border after his contract expires next fall.

St. Louis ranked 17th in the majors in slugging percentage last season, and are looking for an offensive boost to help them contend in the NL Central with the Cubs. The team was in talks with the Marlins about a deal with Stanton, but the NL MVP used his no-trade clause to shut down any possibility of a trade.

Donaldson doesn’t swing quite as big a stick as Stanton, but still smacked 33 homers in 113 games in a 2017 season that was held back by injury. In the three seasons prior, Donaldson 29, 41 and 37 homers respectively, earning an All-Star selection in all three seasons.