ST. LOUIS — The first wave of Major League Baseball’s 2025 All-Star voting results is in, and in what’s being called both a proud moment and a sobering reality for Cardinals fans, utility standout Brendan Donovan is the only St. Louis Cardinals position player to crack the top five in voting at his respective position.
Donovan, known for his incredible versatility and consistent on-base prowess, currently ranks third among second basemen in the National League, trailing only Atlanta’s Ozzie Albies and San Diego’s Ha-Seong Kim. Despite the team’s rollercoaster performance this season, Donovan has remained a steady force, contributing both defensively and offensively, earning the respect of fans across the country.
For the Cardinals, this lone top-five placement marks a stunning departure from previous years where the team often boasted multiple starters and finalists. Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Willson Contreras — all past All-Star regulars — are nowhere near the top five in their respective positions, a signal of either voter fatigue or the club’s recent inconsistencies.
Cardinals manager Oli Marmol addressed the results after Wednesday’s workout at Busch Stadium, saying, “Brendan deserves every vote he’s gotten. He’s been the ultimate team-first player, moving around the diamond, taking big at-bats, and leading in the clubhouse. But yes, it’s surprising not to see more of our guys up there.”
Donovan’s breakout has not gone unnoticed. Entering Thursday’s games, he’s slashing .289/.367/.421 with 25 doubles, 8 home runs, and 42 RBIs. He has played second base, left field, and even stepped in at shortstop during injury stretches, making him one of the most valuable players on the roster by Wins Above Replacement.
Fans have already begun a passionate push online to flood ballots with Cardinals names, but the truth is undeniable — unless there’s a major surge in voting or a hot stretch on the field, Brendan Donovan may be the team’s only All-Star starter.
The voting update also underscores the Cardinals’ need to reflect during the upcoming trade deadline. A lack of league-wide recognition for most of the roster could impact how management evaluates their playoff push and what roster moves they’ll need to seriously contend in the second half of the season.
Still, for Brendan Donovan, this is a moment of personal triumph. He’s no longer just a role player — he’s a legitimate star in the making, representing a franchise that desperately needs a spark. With several more updates before the final ballots are tallied, Cardinals fans may have found their new face of the franchise.