No one represents Team USA better for the approaching 2026 World Baseball Classic than he does.

St. Louis Cardinals

second baseman Brendan Donovan, and it is time for Cardinals fans to get the attention of Team USA manager Mark DeRosa to make his addition to the team happen.

DeRosa has started assembling his dream squad for 2026 and has already secured commitments from key players such as Aaron Judge, who will serve as the team’s captain, alongside returnees like Bobby Witt Jr. and Mike Trout. Notably, he has also managed to convince Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes to join, which could potentially draw additional elite pitchers to the U.S. roster in future selections.

Although many players across the league aspire to join Team USA next year, Brendan Donovan extends an offer.

ideal mix of history and lineage

that would bring the team up a level both on and off the field.

Cardinals fans should campaign for Brendan Donovan’s inclusion on Team USA’s World Baseball Classic roster


John Denton of MLB.com

I made an argument for Donovan the other day, which has ignited enthusiasm and backing among Cardinals supporters across the board. Recently, he informed Denton that he would seriously contemplate the proposal if it were extended to him.

“To be able to put that USA across your chest … that’s something I would strongly consider,” Donovan told MLB.com. “Obviously, seeing my dad put on a very different kind of uniform every day — that flag means everything to our family. My dad represented his country overseas and here in the States in a very different way. But to be able to do something like that and represent my country, that would be extremely special.”

Growing up in a military household, where his dad served as a USACRC Deputy Commander for the U.S. Army, Donovan embraced this heritage professionally by championing initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of service members and veterans. He was shortlisted for the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award recently, which honors Major League Baseball players who excel in supporting not only current armed forces personnel but also those who have retired from service.

Donovan was on my podcast during Spring Training (

Dealin’ the Cards

), and we got to talk with him more about his desire to further his support for veterans, starting more charity work, and becoming an even more vocal partner for

organizations like Team Red, White & Blue

.

On the field,

Donovan has been among the top performers in baseball this season.

. Donovan is 26th in all of baseball with a 141 wRC+, posting a .330/.387/.466 slash line. Donovan pairs that top-end offensive production with defensive versatility all over the field, giving Team USA a guy who can play almost every position at an impact level.

This really does make perfect sense. Donovan should be part of Team USA, and supporters of the Cardinals ought to take all possible actions to ensure that comes true.

Tag manager Mark DeRosa on social media (@markdero7 on both X and Instagram). Tag USA Baseball as well. Go to

www.usabaseball.com

and contact their staff. Let them know you want to see Brendan Donovan on Team USA’s roster for the World Baseball Classic. He deserves to represent our country, and he will use that platform to continue to advocate for the military veterans and the care they have earned.

This article was originally published on as

Cardinals fans must campaign for Brendan Donovan’s inclusion on Team USA’s WBC roster

.