Cardinals Reportedly Linked To Two Aces In Potential Blockbuster Ahead Of Trade Deadline

St. Louis could make a big splash at the trade deadline

The St. Louis Cardinals are going to have some tough decisions to make very shortly.

St. Louis has had a roller coaster of a season, to say the least, and currently sits in last place in the National League Central at 31-44, but are just nine games behind the first-place Cincinnati Reds and realistically could make up some ground and maybe even fight for a division title if the club gets hot. The Cardinals have the luxury of being in a struggling division and still have a chance this season, but need to turn things around quickly. 

The Cardinals have won four of their last six games and each of their last two series and are starting to show some life. With the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline quickly approaching, St. Louis is sure to be busy. If the club looks to add at the deadline, a move for a starting pitcher makes the most sense and two players who could be options for St. Louis are Cleveland Guardians ace Shane Bieber and Chicago White Sox hurler Lucas Giolito, according to The Athletics' Britt Ghiroli.

"St. Louis has to add starting pitching now or this offseason for next year's rotation," Ghiroli said. "The (Cleveland Guardians') Shane Bieber and the (Chicago White Sox's) Lucas Giolito could be available. There's a lot of talent on this roster and in the farm system to get a deal done if they decide to be buyers."

If the Cardinals could acquire Bieber or Giolito immediately would put the club back in contention for a postseason spot. St. Louis has plenty of ground to make up in the standings and additional starting pitching seemingly is what the club needs. Bieber would be the best option but Giolito also would be a solid piece. The starting pitching market is sure to be competitive and if the club isn't able to make up some ground in the next few weeks, the club is more likely to be sellers rather than buyers.

Hopefully, St. Louis can rack up a few wins and make a run at players like Bieber or Giolito rather than selling and focusing on the 2024 season.

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