Ex-Yankees Star Reportedly Set To Be Traded; Cardinals Could Be Perfect Trade Partner

Should the Cardinals acquire one of baseball's best relievers?

If the St. Louis Cardinals want to turn things around this season, they are going to need to drastically improve in the very near future. 

St. Louis currently is in last place in the National League with a disappointing 25-37 record, but there's still reason to believe that things can get better. There are still 100 games left in the 2023 season, but if the Cardinals want to compete, they need to turn things around quickly. 

The Cardinals at one point seemed poised to be buyers ahead of the trade deadline with the expectation being that the team would acquire a new starting pitcher likely in exchange for some combination of an outfielder and prospects. With the Cardinals currently 12 games below .500, their mindset may move more toward selling if the club can't get right soon. 

One of the club's biggest weaknesses right now is the fact that they have struggled in one-run games so far this season. St. Louis currently is 6-14 in one-run games so far this season and has the fourth-most blown saves in all of baseball with 13. 

If the Cardinals can begin to turn things around and end up making additions ahead of the trade deadline, one player who would make perfect sense is seven-time All-Star reliever, Aroldis Chapman. The 35-year-old has spent time with the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, and currently is playing for the Kansas City Royals, but he reportedly will be traded ahead of the deadline, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. 

"An (Aroldis Chapman)-(Scott Barlow) combination, then, almost certainly would be more feasible for the Royals to move, but with the deadline still nearly two months away, even that type of deal remains a longshot," Rosenthal said. "The two relievers probably would bring a greater overall return if the Royals separated them at the deadline. Only one thing seems certain: Chapman will be on the move. The only questions are when, and how." 

Chapman would be the perfect addition for the Cardinals if they can begin working their way back up the National League Central standings. The 35-year-old is having his best season in a few years pitching to a 2.95 ERA in 23 appearances so far this season for Kansas City. Chapman is in the 100th percentile in fastball velocity this season, as well. The fireballer has just two saves this season, but easily could move back to a closer role or stay in a set-up position. 

If the Cardinals decide not to be sellers ahead of the deadline, Chapman may be the perfect piece to help improve the club's close-game struggles.

More MLB: Will Cardinals Sell At Trade Deadline? St. Louis Executive Gives Murky Answer About Possibility