Cardinals Floated As One Of Top Landing Spots For Hurler With Ace Potential In Possible Trade

St. Louis already has added three new starters but a trade for another could make perfect sense

The St. Louis Cardinals already have made one trade this offseason but it wouldn't be too surprising if another was on the horizon.

St. Louis entered the offseason with a logjam in the outfield as well as multiple young, intriguing players who may not end up getting enough playing time in 2024. The Cardinals already have started to shore up the outfield by trading veteran Tyler O'Neill to the Boston Red Sox.

If the Cardinals wanted to get another deal done, they still have the talent to complete seemingly any deal. One player who has been mentioned as a fit in a trade is Miami Marlins pitcher Jesús Luzardo, according to Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller.

"The Cardinals already traded Tyler O'Neill and signed three veteran starters in Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson," Miller said. "But they still have more than enough quality bats to put together an intriguing trade package for Luzardo if they're looking for another ace-caliber arm. At any rate, St. Louis probably would've been No. 1 on this list six weeks ago."

Miller compiled a list of the 10 most likely landing spots for Luzardo this offseason in a possible trade. He has been mentioned in rumors for weeks and at this point seems like he will be traded. 

Although the Cardinals have already added three starters, landing Luzardo would be an intriguing move and the cost wouldn't be too egregious. St. Louis has plenty of young, offensive talent on the roster that could make a move happen. 

Luzardo was stellar for the Marlins last season and logged a 3.58 ERA in 32 starts. He had a 3.32 ERA in 2022 in 18 starts. The lefty has true ace potential and is just 26 years old. If the Cardinals could get a deal done, they absolutely should.

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