White Sox Superstar Predicted To Be Dealt At Trade Deadline To Cardinals

Could the Cardinals actually end up making a blockbuster deal?

The St. Louis Cardinals are in a significantly better spot right now than they were at the end of the 2023 season.

The 2023 campaign was a disappointment, to say the least, and St. Louis dealt with a wide range of inconsistent play and injuries en route to one of its worst seasons in recent memory. St. Louis seems poised to turn things around, though. 

St. Louis' roster looks completely different and the club made a specific effort to improve the rotation and bullpen. There still has been speculation that the club could add another starter, but a move should be considered unlikely.

If the Cardinals can contend for a postseason spot, the club is more likely to look to deal for a starter ahead of the trade deadline rather than handing out another large contract now.

Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller took this idea into account when putting together a list of possible landing spots of the top trade candidates linked St. Louis to Chicago White Sox ace Dylan Cease in a possible major shakeup. 

"Baltimore has been one of the most frequently suggested landing spots for Cease, but the Cardinals might make the most sense here," Miller said. "Sonny Gray was a great pickup for St. Louis, but both the Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn 'one year plus a club option' deals feel like band-aid solutions that might not stick.

"The Cards do have two highly touted pitching prospects in the pipeline in Tink Hence and Tekoah Roby, but both of those 2020 draft picks are likely at least a year away from becoming legitimate options for the rotation."

Landing Cease would be a game-changer for St. Louis. The club's rotation is expected to be significantly better in 2024 and landing someone like Cease could help take it to the next level. 

If the Cardinals are near the top of the National League Central standings around the trade deadline, don't be surprised if more speculation comes.

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