Cy Young Award Winner Reportedly Could Be Traded; Would Move Make Sense For Cardinals?

Things are starting to heat up in preparation for the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline

The St. Louis Cardinals have plenty of work to do in its starting rotation. 

St. Louis' rotation has struggled this season and the club as a whole has underperformed and currently sits in last place in the National League Central at 33-45. The NL Central has been weak in general this season and the Cardinals still have a chance to make the playoffs as they sit just eight games behind the first-place Cincinnati Reds, but the club likely needs a pitching upgrade to do so. 

At this point, the Cardinals could end up being buyers or sellers. If the Cardinals decide to be sellers, that could mean that either Jack Flaherty or Jordan Montgomery could be moved. If either is traded, it likely would be a sign that the team is turning its focus to 2024. If St. Louis can rack up some wins and make up some ground in the standings, maybe we could see them make a major splash at the deadline.

Plenty of big-name pitchers have been rumored to be on the move with Cleveland Guardians ace Shane Bieber, Chicago White Sox hurler Lucas Giolito, and Detroit Tigers lefty Eduardo Rodriguez all being mentioned at times. One other player who reportedly could be dealt -- although extremely unlikely -- is New York Mets ace Max Scherzer, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo. 

"Start with Scherzer -- no stranger to deadline deals," DiComo said. "Regarding Scherzer’s no-trade clause, he’s 38 and looking to win another title. Several industry sources have suggested he would waive it for the right situation. Regarding the size of Scherzer’s contract, the Mets could use Cohen’s riches to pay it down in hopes of landing a premium prospect in return. For a pitcher boasting championship pedigree, an eight-game unbeaten streak, and a 3.19 ERA over that run, it’s not an outlandish thought."

If Scherzer actually were to be available and the Cardinals were within reach of a postseason spot, a move could make sense. St. Louis has plenty of star power and won 93 games in 2022. Many expected them to be in contention for the World Series this season so if they could get hot, maybe Scherzer could be the missing piece in the starting rotation they need.

Although this is the case, a move for the Mets star is extremely unlikely and wouldn't make much sense unless St. Louis got extremely hot ahead of the August 1 trade deadline. He has been impressive lately pitching to a 3.19 ERA over his last eight starts and is a surefire Hall of Famer, but has a player option for the 2024 season and if accepted would make over $43 million at 39 years old. New York likely wouldn't want to deal to a National League foe as well, so if a deal were even possible, the package would likely be immense. 

If the Cardinals want to fight for a postseason spot this season they may need to add a pitcher. But even if Scherzer becomes available, a move may not make sense for the three-time Cy Young Award winner for St. Louis.

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