Cardinals First Baseman Goldschmidt to Philadelphia Phillies Rumor Gaining Traction

The rumor that St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt could be traded to the Philadelphia Phillies is gaining traction.

Rumors have been swirling around the Philadelphia Phillies as the MLB trade deadline starts to inch closer and the team starts to play better. 

One rumor that has some legs is the one where the Phillies execute a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals for 2022 National League MVP and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. 

That rumor continues to grow as The Athletic has now doubled down and come up with a proposal for the actual trade. 

However, the price that the article poses still seems a bit high for a 35-year-old despite his strong season.

"In return, the Cardinals could ask for top prospect Andrew Painter, if his medicals don’t scare them, but Philadelphia would instantly reject that offer because the 20-year-old profiles as a future ace. (Painter is working his way back from an elbow injury and could join the Phillies rotation this season if all goes well.) However, the Phillies might be willing to dangle Mick Abel, their second-best pitching prospect, or Griff McGarry, their third-best pitching prospect, along with a couple of mid-level type prospects."

Like the article states, Painter is all but untouchable. But it's unclear if Abel or McGarry are in the same league. McGarry might be the prospect they are willing to part with but he would have to be paired with another promising prospect. 

Either way, it's clear that Goldschmidt would make the Phillies a better team this season and next. Plus, it solves the Rhys Hoskins question, represents a clear upgrade over Kody Clemens and keeps Bryce Harper off the field as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery. 

More From SI's Inside The Phillies:

1. Phillies Star Bryce Harper Doesn't Hold Back on Thoughts About Joe Girardi
2. How Mike Trout Will Join the Phillies
3. Could Bryce Harper's Favorite MLB Player Join the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023?
4. Could The Phillies Soon Be Playing in Wawa Park?
5. Bryce Harper-Obsessed Japanese Baseball Star Wants to Play for Phillies
6. Six Philadelphia Phillies Declare Free Agency
7. Rumored Phillies Free Agent Target Just Opted Out of Contract
8. Jimmy Rollins Describes Disrespectful Treatment by Ryne Sandberg
9. Phillies Release 2023 Regular Season Schedule