MLB Insider Hints Cardinals Reportedly Could Trade Rising Star To Shakeup Roster

Should the Cardinals trade one of their very best pitchers?

What do the St. Louis Cardinals have to do to get back in the National League Central race?

St. Louis seemingly has the talent to win ballgames, but has struggled this season and currently has the worst record in the National League at 27-42. The Cardinals returned much of the same roster that won 93 games in 2022, but have been unable to get their footing at seemingly any time this season.

The 2023 MLB Trade Deadline quickly is approaching which is going to bring many tough decisions to the club and one that reportedly could happen is a trade of starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. 

"The trade deadline is 6 1/2 weeks away, but if ever a team might benefit from a more immediate shakeup, it's the Cardinals," Rosenthal said. "One possibility might be to trade right-hander Jack Flaherty, who is a free agent at the end of the season. Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak recently told The Athletic's (Katie Woo) that the Cardinals are 'holding,' saying the next four to six weeks might determine the team's course. Flaherty, though, doesn't always appear in sync with the organization. Some with the club believe his remark in early May about 'Our whole staff, throwing pitches that don't make sense,' led to the temporary removal of (Willson Contreras) as catcher. 

"Without Flaherty, the Cardinals could proceed with a rotation of (Jordan Montgomery), Miles Mikolas, Adam Wainwright, and Matthew Liberatore, and return Steven Matz to a starting role. Gordon Graceffo, the team's top pitching prospect, has been on the injured list since May 3 with shoulder inflammation, and could rejoin the Triple-A rotation soon." 

Flaherty has spent his entire professional career in the St. Louis organization since being drafted in the first round of the 2014 MLB June Amateur Draft. At points, he's struggled to remain on the field due to injuries but has shown when he's healthy he has All-Star-worthy stuff. He struggled out the gate this season but has turned things around as of late pitching to a 3.20 ERA across his last seven starts. 

At this point, the Cardinals have to try anything to right the ship. If that means dealing Flaherty, hopefully, the club could receive a solid trade package in return and also give a young hurler like Graceffo a chance in the big leagues.

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