Yankees, Cardinals Reportedly Linked In Potential Trade Involving Intriguing Prospect

St. Louis and New York reportedly could link up ahead of the trade deadline

The St. Louis Cardinals may not have had as much success as was expected so far this season but that doesn't mean the future isn't bright.

St. Louis is loaded with talent and even if the club opts for a mini-sell ahead of the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline still should be in a position to contend in the National League Central in 2024. The Cardinals have plenty of offensive firepower but will need to improve the starting rotation to get back to the postseason next year. One player the club may target ahead of the trade deadline to do in New York Yankees No. 13 prospect Clayton Beeter, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold. 

"From the Dodgers for (Lance Lynn) (option for 2024) and former Cardinals teammate Joe Kelly, the White Sox received three players: outfielder Trayce Thompson, minor-league Jordan Leasure, and starting pitching prospect Nick Nastrini, LA’s 10th-ranked prospect," Goold said. "A right-hander at Class AA, he has 85 strikeouts in 73 2/3 innings. That is the profile of a pitcher the Cardinals seek — but closer to the majors, if not already in them.

"That has been the appeal of Yankees Class AAA right-hander Clayton Beeter and why the Cardinals have interest in Seattle’s Logan Gilbert, who is likely to command a high-ceiling return."

Beeter is 24 years old and currently playing for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders but is projected to make the jump to the big leagues this season. In three professional seasons split between the Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers' organizations Beeter has compiled a 3.85 ERA in 70 overall appearances including 66 starts. The Yankees have had some interest in Cardinals' outfielder Dylan Carlson and pitchers Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty so the club likely could get a deal done if they wanted. Beeter could be an intriguing young option to pencil into St. Louis' starting rotation in 2024 and beyond. While it's unclear how much interest there is on St. Louis' side, Beeter could be a very intriguing addition. 

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