The rising St. Louis Cardinals return from the All-Star break with a 50-46 record.
Following a slow start to the 2024 Major League Baseball season, the Cardinals are only 4.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central Division.
With 66 games left in the MLB season, the team may attempt to strengthen their starting rotation with another seasoned pitcher.
The Cardinals signed free agency right-handers Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson before the season began.
Perhaps an additional veteran starter can help the Cardinals’ rotation down the stretch.
Starting pitching is in high demand, making the asking price in a deal tough to meet.
However, some teams are in need of both outfielders and pitchers.
The Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and Kansas City Royals are among contenders that could look to improve their outfield depth before the July 30 trade deadline.
The Cardinals have a reasonably well-stocked outfield.
Last December, the team traded Tyler O’Neill to the Boston Red Sox for right-handed reliever Nick Robertson, and right-handed prospect starter Victor Santos.
The Cardinals’ outfield depth remains. They might be able to swap among numerous outfielder alternatives.
Veteran outfielders Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar, Michael Siani, and Dylan Carlson could be appealing to teams such as the Phillies, Braves, or Royals.
Two Superb Cardinals Outfield Prospects:
Victor Scott II, a 23-year-old left-handed hitter, possesses impressive speed and the potential to steal bases and score runs.
He had a brief trial with the parent Cardinals, but his future is clearly visible in the windshield.
Of course, highly regarded Jordan Walker has always been viewed as a significant possibility. The right-handed hitting outfielder is still just 22 years old. He is regarded as a top prospect who must yet show himself against major league pitching.
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If the Cardinals move any of their veteran outfielders instead of Victor Scott II or Jordan Walker, one of those two prospects can easily fill the vacuum left by the traded senior outfielder.
Veteran Pitchers The Cardinals Might Target:
1-ERICK FEDDE-RHP-Chicago White Sox, 6-4, 204 pounds, age 31
Erick Fedde, who has had a tremendous season so far, may bring a huge veteran presence to the Cardinals rotation. He’s enjoying a tremendous year for Chicago. His current statistics:
7-3 record in 19 starts, totaling 111.1 innings. He has an impressive 2.99 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. He has allowed 11 homers.
2-YUSEI KIKUCHI-LHP-Toronto Blue Jays, 6-0, 210 pounds, age 27
Kikuchi will be a free agent after this season, so a player return to the Blue Jays may come at a reasonable price. He’d bring a left-handed arm into the rotation.His current statistics:
4-8 record in 20 starts, 106 innings pitched. He has 4.42 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. He has allowed 16 home runs thus far.
3-Cal Quantrill-RHP-Colorado Rockies-6-3, 195 pounds, age 29
Quantrill is in his debut season with the Rockies. In a difficult home park, he is having a credible season. He would add a wise veteran to the already experienced team. Quantrill keeps his team in games, but he tends to weary after five innings. His current statistics:
6-7 record in 19 starts, totaling 102.1 innings. His ERA stands at 4.13, with a WHIP of 1.34. He has allowed 14 homers.
This experienced scout is not in favor of trade for Chicago White Sox left-handed starter Garrett Crochet. He’s never pitched more than 54.1 innings in a season. He’s already at 107.1 innings. He has a patchy injury history, and the risk/reward balance may favor risk.
Also, Miami Marlins lefty Jesus Luzardo may appear appealing, but he is now on the Injured List with a “lumbar stress reaction.” And this does not bode good.
If the Cardinals want to be innovative, they may try to sign a pitcher like Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, or Chris Bassitt from the Toronto Blue Jays.
Those Blue Jays pitchers will cost significantly more in prospect players than Blue Jays Yusei Kikuchi.
