Red Sox Reportedly Connected To Trio Of Cardinals Studs As Trade Deadline Nears
The St. Louis Cardinals are expected to offload some talent ahead of the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline.
St. Louis has been exceptionally worst than expected and currently is in last place in the National League Central with a surprising 38-52 record. At this point, it looks like the Cardinals will be sellers ahead of the August 1 deadline and turn their focus to the 2024 campaign. St. Louis president of baseball operations John Mozeliak even recently insinuated that the Cardinals would be trading away some of their big league talent.
With about three weeks remaining until the deadline, there are sure to be plenty of rumors swirling around. St. Louis -- while extremely disappointing -- is loaded with talent that clubs fighting for postseason spots would covet. One team that is in an interesting spot that could look to add ahead of the deadline is the Boston Red Sox. Boston reportedly could even be a fit for three Cardinals studs in starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery, infielder Paul DeJong, and reliever Jordan Hicks, according to The Athletic's Chad Jennings.
"Over the weekend, MLB Trade Rumors posted its 'early July edition' of the Top 50 Deadline Trade Candidates," Jennings said. "That's a good place to start looking through some of the possibilities. I'll list a few names that jump out to me. Other names might jump out to you. All that matters is which names jump out to the Red Sox, and how much they'd have to give up to get each one.
"Rotation rentals — Lucas Giolito, Jordan Montgomery, Michael Lorenzen, (and) Rich Hill. Starters with remaining team control — Eduardo Rodriguez (three years left on his deal, but can opt-out), Shane Bieber (arbitration-eligible), Paul Blackburn, and Aaron Civale (each with two years of arbitration remaining). Relief pitchers — David Robertson, Joe Kelly, Jordan Hicks, Michael Fulmer, Brad Hand, (and) Brent Suter. Middle infielders — Tim Anderson, Paul DeJong, Nicky Lopez, (and), Jorge Mateo."
Montgomery, DeJong, and Hicks all have found their names in trade rumors at various points this season and could all be on the move before the trade deadline. Montgomery has been St. Louis' best starting pitcher this season and has a 3.23 ERA in 18 starts so far this season. DeJong has been impressive at times this season and has clubbed 12 home runs in 64 games. Hicks has a 3.93 ERA across 36 appearances so far this season to go along with a blistering fastball.
The Cardinals likely will look very different shortly.
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