Cardinals Ace Reportedly 'Gaining Momentum' In Possible Trade Deadline Swap

St. Louis could deal one of its best players ahead of the trade deadline

The St. Louis Cardinals likely are going to look pretty different after the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline.

The trade deadline is set to pass on August 1 and the Cardinals likely will make a few moves ahead of it as the club turns its focus to the 2024 campaign. St. Louis has struggled this season and will offload veterans for prospects as the club attempts to reload and improve. One of the most likely Cardinals players who could be dealt is pitcher Jordan Montgomery, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

"Sources: Jordan Montgomery trade talks are gaining momentum, and a deal is becoming increasingly likely," Morosi said. "The Orioles and DBacks are among the clubs that have been engaged with the Cardinals in recent days." 

Montgomery has been in trade rumors seemingly all season because he will be a free agent at the end of the season and the 30-year-old undoubtedly has been St. Louis' best pitcher this season. The lefty has compiled a 3.42 ERA across 21 starts and when fully healthy can be someone near the top of the rotation for a contending club. 

Unsurprisingly, any contender would be interested in acquiring someone like Montgomery ahead of the trade deadline. Baltimore has the best record in the American League and Arizona is just a half-game out of a National League Wild Card spot. Both the Orioles and Diamondbacks very well could play deep into the postseason and adding someone like Montgomery could help put them over the top. 

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