Yankees Star Reportedly May Be Dealt; Cardinals Could Make Blockbuster To Boost Rotation
The St. Louis Cardinals have some serious work to do.
St. Louis currently is in last place in the National League with an abysmal 13-25 record but has won three of its last four games. The Cardinals have a long way to go until they are back in the postseason race, but the club does have plenty of firepower so it wouldn't be too shocking if they got hot and went on a run.
The Cardinals' starting rotation has been an issue so far this season. St. Louis currently has just one starter with an ERA under 5.00 and that's Jordan Montgomery who has compiled a 4.11 ERA so far this season. If the Cardinals want to make a serious run this season, a big trade could be needed. One player who fits St. Louis' need and who reportedly may become available is New York Yankees star Luis Severino, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.
"Flipping from contenders to rebuilding is something rarely entertained by (Brian Cashman) in his 26 years running the team, but he is viewed by his peers as a realist, and he's always been decisive -- they remember in the summer of 2016 how he traded both Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman for prospects," Olney said. "If they fall far behind, he'll take a hard look about whether that's something he should do," one GM said. The Yankees have bullpen pieces to offer, but another name mentioned by rival execs is that of Luis Severino, who is currently recovering from a right lat strain. He would have to pitch in big-league games and demonstrate he is healthy, but if that happens and the Yankees decide to trade him, Severino could have value."
St. Louis has a solid farm system and could match the Yankees' ask if the club decided to ultimately move on from the two-time All-Star. Severino has appeared in 23 games over the last two years, but he currently is rehabbing with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and should return to the big leagues soon.
When Severino eventually is healthy, if he can return to form, he could be the perfect addition to a pitcher-needy Cardinals club. Severino has a career 3.39 ERA and is just 29 years old. The righty will be a free agent ahead of the 2024 season so it wouldn't be too surprising if the Yankees were to make a trade if they are unable to get back into contention. At this point, there's no way for sure to know what will happen, but there are sure to be plenty of options for the Cardinals around the trade deadline.
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