Cy Young Award Winner Might Be Traded; Could Cardinals Make Big Deal?
If the St. Louis Cardinals can get off to a strong start this season, it wouldn't be surprising to see a trade or two in their future.
St. Louis significantly improved its starting rotation and bullpen this offseason and many expect them to finish at the top of the National League Central standings.
The Cardinals specifically boosted the rotation by signing Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson. While they are in a better place, landing another front-of-the-rotation pitcher could be exactly what the club needs to truly compete for a World Series title.
St. Louis likely is done adding right now, but if it can get out to a strong start to the season, a deal around the trade deadline for a starter could make a lot of sense.
One player who could end up being traded is 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden.
"Bieber will be a free agent after this season and there's been no traction between him and the (Cleveland Guardians) on a contract extension to this point," Bowden said. "Therefore, the Guardians will keep an open mind on any trade proposals they receive from teams between now and the trade deadline.
"Bieber has had injuries in two of the past three years and last season made just 21 starts, posting a 3.80 ERA in 128 innings. The Guardians believe he will have a lot more trade value if he gets off to a strong start, his stuff bounces back, and he stays healthy. I do think there's a shot they move him, but it's more likely to happen closer to the trade deadline."
Bieber has been in trade rumors since the 2023 season came to a close but hasn't been moved yet. If he's healthy, he could be the perfect deadline addition to help out down the stretch.
A trade for someone like Bieber likely would cost a lot so a move likely could only happen if St. Louis is near the top of the National League Central standings deep into the summer.
St. Louis is loaded with talent but still seems to be a piece or two away from truly competing.
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