MLB Insider Links Cardinals To NL East Club In Potential Blockbuster Trade

One NL East club would be the perfect trade partner for St. Louis

Will the St. Louis Cardinals make a major splash this season?

After a disappointing 9-14 start to the season, a move to jump-start the club certainly would make sense. The Cardinals' offense hasn't been the club's problem this season, but instead, it has been the starting pitching. 

Three of St. Louis' starting pitchers in Miles Mikolas, Steven Matz, and Jake Woodford all have ERAs over 6.00. The trio have combined to compile a 1-6 record and have struggled across 66 2/3 innings of work so far this season. St. Louis should see the rotation improve shortly with Adam Wainwright returning to the mound shortly, but a trade also could help. 

One team that has been linked to the Cardinals is the Miami Marlins. The Marlins have a wide range of young, intriguing pitching talent and could use an extra bat in the lineup. St. Louis has a surplus in the outfield and the Miami has plenty of pitching. A deal between the two sides would make sense and The Athletic's Jim Bowden linked the two sides together. 

"The Marlins are a good fit because they need lineup and outfield upgrades, and they have solid starting pitchers, from Edward Cabrera to Trevor Rogers to Braxton Garrett, they could dangle," Bowden said. 

A move for any of Cabrera, Rogers, or Garrett certainly would be a solid haul for the Cardinals. All three are 25 years old and have shown impressive upside with the Marlins. A deal for any of the three likely would include Tyler O'Neill -- who has been in rumors himself -- or Dylan Carlson. 

Rogers currently is on the injured list but already has one All-Star appearance under his belt. Garrett has been the most impressive of the trio so far this season and has compiled a 2.84 ERA in four appearances so far this season. Cabrera shined last season and compiled a 3.01 ERA but hasn't been as successful so far this season with a 4.91 ERA in five starts. 

If the Cardinals could acquire any of Cabrera, Rogers, or Garrett it certainly would improve the club. St. Louis has a logjam in the outfield so it wouldn't hurt to deal a player to improve the starting rotation.

A move may not happen until closer to the trade deadline, but it certainly is something to look out for. 

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