Inside The Cardinals

MLB Writer Suggests Rafael Devers Trade Will Impact Cardinals

Will the blockbuster Rafael Devers trade have an impact on the Cardinals?
Zach Pressnell|
Jun 1, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers (11) shown in the dugout before the game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Jun 1, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers (11) shown in the dugout before the game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

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St. Louis CardinalsSan Francisco Giants

On Sunday evening, the San Francisco Giants pulled off a stunner of a trade when they snagged superstar infielder Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox.

This deal is going to have a league wide impact, effecting both the National League contenders and the American League contenders.

Thomas Gauvain of Redbird Rants recently suggested the Devers trade would make the St. Louis Cardinals sellers at the trade deadline and it makes perfect sense.

"The San Francisco Giants currently occupy the second Wild Card spot with a 41-31 record. Behind them rests the San Diego Padres with a 39-31 record," Gauvain wrote. "The Milwaukee Brewers (39-34) and Cincinnati Reds (37-35) stand between the Cardinals and the Padres for the final Wild Card spot. Even before this trade, it was an uphill battle for the Cardinals, who are now 4-10 in the month of June after a series loss to the Milwaukee Brewers over the weekend.

"The Giants just got much better with this trade. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are likely going to make marginal moves over the next six weeks, if any moves at all."

The Cardinals were already fighting an uphill battle chasing the Giants in the wild card race. With St. Louis falling off a cliff this month and the Giants getting much better by adding Devers, the Cardinals stand no chance in ever closing this gap now.

That will leave St. Louis to trade players like Erick Fedde and Ryan Helsley this season. By dealing away the expiring contracts, the Cardinals will gain some prospect capital while setting themselves up for success next season.

It would have been nice for St. Louis to contend this year, but after the Devers trade, it's unrealistic.

More MLB: MLB Writer Suggests Cardinals Cut Ties With $260 Million Star

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Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "St. Louis Cardinals On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

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