Report: Cardinals continue to push Blue Jays for Donaldson trade
The St. Louis Cardinals know what they want, and it appears they're going to keep asking the Toronto Blue Jays for it.
St. Louis is continuing its pursuit of 2015 American League MVP Josh Donaldson, sources told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
However, the Blue Jays remain disinclined to move their star third baseman because they plan to compete in 2018, Rosenthal adds, while mentioning the asking price is high and there is no indication a deal is close.
Five teams are showing interest in Donaldson, and three of them are persistent, reports Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.
St. Louis has been in hot pursuit of the slugger for months, but Donaldson has expressed his desire to stay with Toronto long term.
Related: Donaldson would be 'tickled pink' to stay with Blue Jays long term
He appeared in 113 games last season - his fewest since 2012 - but still hit 33 home runs and drove in 78 along with a .944 OPS.
The 32-year-old is projected to earn $20.7 million in arbitration for 2018, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
After finishing third in the National League Central last season, the Cardinals have been active in trade discussions this offseason.
They reportedly acquired outfielder Marcell Ozuna from the Miami Marlins on Wednesday and have also shown interest in Chris Archer, Evan Longoria, and Alex Colome of the Tampa Bay Rays.
St. Louis also has a reported deal in place with the Oakland Athletics, which would send Cardinals outfielder Stephen Piscotty to the Bay Area.