Cardinals Reportedly Have Been In Trade Talks With Mariners Ahead Of Deadline

St. Louis could invest in some young pitching talent

The St. Louis Cardinals are going into the trade deadline with one clear need, pitching. 

It remains to be seen if St. Louis can climb their way back into a position where buying makes sense, seeing as they are 31-44, nine games back in the National League Central and 10 1/2 games back of a Wild Card spot.

However, a rather important trade rumor is starting to make waves, one that would not necessarily have to be made in a "buying" year. 

"The (Seattle) Mariners have young pitchers. The Cardinals have young hitters. Sources say they have had dialogue about trade concepts at various points in the last year," MLB Network's Jon Morosi tweeted Thursday. "To be clear, the talks have not progressed. But the fit is obvious. So let's stay tuned."

Morosi did not dive into any further details in his attention-grabbing tweet, but he did dive into more context on a different platform.

The longtime insider threw out the idea of the Cardinals trading Brendan Donovan -- who he noted is semi-blocked positionally with third baseman Nolan Arenado and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt in town -- as part of a deal for either Logan Gilbert or Bryce Miller while appearing on Seattle Sports’ "Wyman and Bob."

Morosi also mentioned how the Mariners should consider George Kirby's future, but did not do so in the context of this potential trade nor did he find the Seattle trading Kirby as a likely outcome -- rightfully so.

The tweet itself was a genuine report, while the radio conversation sounded a lot more speculative. 

Gilbert and Miller are both intriguing options that would strengthen the rotation in the short and long term should the Cardinals find a way to pry either one from Seattle's grasp.

Gilbert posted a 3.20 ERA with a 174-49 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .242 batting average against and 1.18 WHIP in 185 2/3 innings last season across 32 starts. It was his lone full season in the big leagues and put him in the frontline starter conversation. 

He's off to an odd start this season -- he's sporting a 4.31 ERA but has a lower walk rate, batting average against and WHIP than a year ago. All signs point to a dominant second half for the 26-year-old, who will be under team control through 2027. 

Miller is a 24-year-old rookie who has a 5-3 record with a 3.68 ERA, 45-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .197 batting average against and 0.88 WHIP in 51 1/3 innings across nine starts.

Given the insanely strong start to his major-league career, Miller should be much harder to trade for, likely costing a prospect along the likes of Jordan Walker or Masyn Winn to get the conversation going. 

If this trade has any legs, Gilbert for Donovan would likely have to be the basis of the deal, with some additional pieces thrown around to complete a fair trade.

More MLB: Three Potential Suiters Linked To Cardinals Jack Flaherty As Trade Deadline Nears