At this point, it’s way too early to determine what the trade deadline will look like or what path the Cardinals will take. But it’s never too early to speculate, am I right?
That’s what this post will be. We’re going to talk about the Cardinals and what their trade deadline needs are. Obviously, this could be fluid. Injuries can play a role. The Cardinals have been lucky so far in that they haven’t had to deal with many injuries (knock on wood).
Recently, everything has been clicking, and I believe we’re seeing what this team can be at its best. I’m not fully sold just yet, but I do think if this keeps up, the Cardinals can at least be a solid playoff contender.
Right now, the starting rotation and the offense seem set. Again, I know that could change if any injuries happen, but as now, those two areas look set, and I don’t think the Cardinals need to worry too much about that. Let’s discuss the areas that we know for sure need work.
Bullpen
Don’t get me wrong, the bullpen has performed very well as of late, and it’s very encouraging to see, especially given where they were at the beginning of the year. But if the Cardinals are going to address the Major League roster and do any buying at this year’s deadline, they might need an arm or two for the ‘pen.
For the most part, everything has been very solid. Since Ryan Fernandez was sent down, everybody seems to be settling into their roles. Look at Steven Matz for an example of that.
But guys like John King and Chris Roycroft haven’t really done all that well, and I think their time with the Cardinals may get cut short if they don’t improve, so somebody that can be used as a middle-to-late relief option would be ideal.
I don’t think the Cardinals should buy aggressively this year, but there will be some bullpen arms available. Personally, I think it would be a good idea to see if you can’t get Andrew Kittredge back.
He just came off the injured list, and the Orioles are already out of contention. His injury might have taken a bit off his stock, so the Cardinals may not have to give up anything too flashy for him.
Minor League Starting Pitching Depth
Lynn Worthy of the Post-Dispatch recently wrote a story about this, and I agree with him that this is a pressing need for St. Louis. Like I said, injuries can happen and create needs. If a starter gets hurt with the big-league club, you can simply call up Michael McGreevy, but beyond him, there really aren’t that many options at Triple-A if more starters get hurt.
Cooper Hjerpe and Sem Robberse both had Tommy John surgery, and Tink Hence has struggled with his health in recent years. He might be better served as a reliever. Gordon Graceffo also seems to be settling into a relief role.
That leaves the options for starters a little bit thin. I’m going to say something I’ve said before that may not be popular here, but the best way to get a good return would be to trade Ryan Helsley, even if you’re in contention.
You can still get a haul for him, as evidenced by the returns selling teams received last summer for their rental relievers, and the Cardinals need to restock the farm anyways. They can still do that while adding a piece or two to strengthen the roster. It seems counterintuitive, but this was never going to be the year the Cardinals went big at the deadline anyway.
There are other ways they can do this too. They can trade from their catching depth. But with all the injuries, this is an area that needs attention, and if it takes trading Helsley to replenish it, then it’s for the best.
I do kind of like the idea of the Cardinals making moves in both directions to be quite honest, but we’ll see where things stand in July.