MLB Insider Names Seven Frontline Starters Cardinals Likely To Pursue Via Trade
The St. Louis Cardinals could use a notable hurler to bolster their starting staff -- fortunately, the trade market and eventual free-agent market is loaded with high-end pitching.
Moreover, St. Louis has the position player depth and farm system to put together a package that will rival any other Major League Baseball team this trade deadline or winter.
There are many directions the Cardinals could go according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden, who listed a bunch of scenarios St. Louis could pursue in order to bolster their club.
"The (Miami) Marlins are a good fit because they need lineup and outfield upgrades, and they have solid starting pitchers, from Edward Cabrera to Trevor Rogers to Braxton Garrett, they could dangle," Bowden wrote Monday."
"In terms of other starters, a lot depends on who’s in postseason contention and who’s not come July. If the (Chicago) Cubs fall out of the race, Marcus Stroman could become available because he has an opt-out after this season. Shohei Ohtani, despite the (Los Angeles) Angels’ denials, could be dealt if the Halos fall out of contention. Lucas Giolito could be an option if the (Chicago) White Sox fall too far behind. The (Detroit) Tigers will probably trade Eduardo Rodriguez because he, too, has an opt-out clause at the end of the year."
Bowden also mentioned a pair of Cy Young winners in their prime -- Cleveland Guardians ace Shane Bieber and Milwaukee Brewers ace Corbin Burnes. The former would make a lot of sense, but the ladder would get complicated as blockbuster inter-division trades are few and far between.
That info dump was a lot to process but provided plenty to think about. The Cardinals reportedly already attempted to trade Tyler O'Neill to the Marlins this winter, and Miami has three enticing starters seemingly available.
O'Neill is a 27-year-old with team control through 2024, above-average defense, power and speed. He's likely to be a part of whichever deal is completed. From there, St. Louis has a plethora of young outfielders, infielders and prospects to create an enticing package.
If they want to go for Ohtani, it'll likely cost both Major League players and top prospects.
Someone like Stroman could be acquired for much less but still provide a similar spark as Jordan Montgomery did a year ago.
More MLB: Cardinals' Tyler O'Neill Reportedly Could Be Packaged In Deal For Frontline Starter
