Cardinals in Contention, Two Pitchers to Strengthen Rotation
The St. Louis Cardinals’ slow start made it seem like they needed a miracle to even think about becoming true contenders by the July 30 Major League Baseball trade deadline.
However, the Cardinals have won 10 of their last 12 games, climbing to third place in the National League Central with a 25-26 record. Although this record isn’t particularly impressive, it places them just one game behind second place in the division and only half a game back in the underwhelming NL Wild Card race.
If they can surpass a .500 record in the coming days, there is a real possibility the Cardinals might add talent at the deadline instead of offloading key players.
Cardinals in Contention, Two Pitchers to Strengthen Rotation
In that scenario, strengthening the rotation would be wise, given Miles Mikolas’ significant struggles (3-5, 5.64 ERA) this season and the underperformance of No. 5 starters Matthew Liberatore and Zack Thompson in Steven Matz’s absence (not that he was much better).
Cardinals Gaining Ground in Contention, Might Seek Two Pitchers to Strengthen RotationInterestingly, if the Cardinals were to reinforce their rotation for a potential playoff run, they might consider pitchers from the worst pitching staff in baseball — the Colorado Rockies.
“Austin Gomber (2.76 ERA, 8th in the NL) and Cal Quantrill (3.59, 24th) have done their jobs, each ranking in the top 20 in innings pitched,” MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand wrote on Saturday.
“Both the 30-year-old Gomber (a key piece in the February 2021 Nolan Arenado trade) and 29-year-old Quantrill (acquired from the Guardians last November) are under control through 2025, giving the Rockies controllable pitching to potentially shop before this summer’s trade deadline.”
St. Louis could benefit from a youth movement in their rotation, and a player in the 29-30 age range would seem youthful compared to their current staff leaders.
Since the Cardinals are fringe contenders at best and likely a year or two away from peak performance, targeting starters signed through 2025 makes more sense than trading valuable prospects for short-term help.
Regardless, St. Louis is poised to change their narrative if they can maintain their momentum a bit longer.
