Brendan Donovan

Image of Brendan Donovan
Image of Player Brendan Donovan

Player Information

Brendan Michael Donovan is an American professional baseball utility player for the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born in Würzburg, Germany, and raised in Enterprise, Alabama, Donovan played college baseball at the University of South Alabama before the Cardinals selected him in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB draft. He was a part of their minor league system before making his MLB debut in 2022, becoming a consistent member of their lineup as a utility player. Following the conclusion of his rookie season, he was named the first-ever recipient of the National League Gold Glove Award for a utility player and was also a finalist for National League Rookie of the Year. In 2025, Donovan was named to his first All-Star game.
Birthdate:
16 January 1997
Full Name:
Brendan Michael Donovan
Birthplace:
Würzburg, Germany
Nationality:
American
Residence:
Enterprise, Alabama, USA
Gender:
Male
Status:
Married
Partner:
Aly
Education:
Enterprise High School (High School), University of South Alabama (College)
Career Started:
2022
Notable Achievements:
All-Star (2025), Gold Glove Award (2022)
Current Team:
St. Louis Cardinals
Draft Year:
2018
Drafted By:
St. Louis Cardinals
Player Active:
From - 2022, To - Present

Brendan Donovan Bio

Brendan Michael Donovan is an American professional baseball utility player for the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born in Würzburg, Germany, and raised in Enterprise, Alabama, Donovan played college baseball at the University of South Alabama before the Cardinals selected him in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB draft. He was a part of their minor league system before making his MLB debut in 2022, becoming a consistent member of their lineup as a utility player. Following the conclusion of his rookie season, he was named the first-ever recipient of the National League Gold Glove Award for a utility player and was also a finalist for National League Rookie of the Year. In 2025, Donovan was named to his first All-Star game.

Early Life and Background

Brendan Donovan was born on January 16, 1997, in Würzburg, Germany, where his father was stationed at the time. He moved to Enterprise, Alabama, where he grew up and attended Enterprise High School. During his senior year in 2015, Donovan excelled in baseball, batting .467 with four home runs, 44 runs batted in (RBIs), 17 doubles, and six triples. His impressive performance earned him recognition and set the stage for his future in the sport. After high school, he continued his baseball career at the University of South Alabama, where he played for the South Alabama Jaguars. In 2017, he also played collegiate summer baseball with the Hyannis Harbor Hawks in the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Path to Baseball

In 2018, during his junior year at the University of South Alabama, Donovan had a strong season, batting .302 with five home runs and 55 RBIs over 57 games. His performance caught the attention of Major League scouts, leading to his selection by the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB draft. Donovan signed with the Cardinals and began his professional career with the State College Spikes in the Class A Short Season New York–Penn League, where he played in four games. He spent most of the 2019 season with the Peoria Chiefs in the Class A Midwest League, where he batted .268 with eight home runs and 53 RBIs over 114 games.

Brendan Donovan Career

Early Career (2022-Present)

Donovan was promoted to the major leagues on April 25, 2022, and made his MLB debut that night against the New York Mets, initially serving as a pinch runner. He recorded his first career hit on April 28, 2022, and hit his first MLB home run on May 10, 2022. Over the course of his rookie season, he played in 126 games, finishing with a batting average of .281, five home runs, and 45 RBIs. His versatility allowed him to play multiple positions, and he was awarded the National League Gold Glove Award for a utility player, marking a significant achievement in his early career.

Breakthrough (2025)

In 2025, Donovan reached a new milestone by being selected for his first MLB All-Star Game. He performed well during the game, going 2-for-3 with two singles, contributing to the National League’s victory. Throughout the season, he played in 118 games, maintaining a batting average of .287 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs. His consistent performance solidified his status as a key player for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Notable Works and Milestones

Brendan Donovan’s signature achievement includes being the first recipient of the National League Gold Glove Award for a utility player in 2022. He has also made a significant impact on the field with his batting and defensive skills, earning him a place in the 2025 All-Star Game.

Brendan Donovan Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Brendan Donovan has received notable nominations, including being a finalist for the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2022.

Brendan Donovan Awards Won

Brendan Donovan has won several awards, including the National League Gold Glove Award for a utility player in 2022 and was named an All-Star in 2025.

Award Wins Year
Gold Glove Award 1 2022
All-Star 1 2025

Brendan Donovan Family

Brendan Donovan is married to Aly, and the couple is expecting their first child, a daughter, due in March 2024.

Personal Life

Donovan was born in Germany and has represented the Germany national baseball team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic qualification. He is known to be a Christian and maintains a private life outside of baseball.