Cardinals Fireballer Reportedly Linked To Yankees In Possible Trade Deadline Swap

New York could be in the market for a fireballer ahead of the trade deadline

Joe Puetz-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees reportedly could link up as potential trade partners ahead of the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline.

St. Louis and New York have been linked in the past as the Cardinals' struggles continued this season. The Cardinals likely are going to be one of the biggest sellers ahead of the trade deadline and New York reportedly already has shown interest in outfielder Dylan Carlson as well as starting pitcher Jack Flaherty. The Yankees reportedly also are interested in fireballer Jordan Hicks, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold. 

"To repeat yesterday’s update: (St. Louis Cardinals) do not believe there’s progress on an extension and they are telling interested teams, which include Texas and Yankees, they’ll trade Hicks," Goold said.

If Hicks is dealt ahead of the trade deadline, he likely will be one of the most sought-after relief pitchers. The 26-year-old has compiled a 3.67 ERA in 40 appearances and has one of the hardest fastballs in all of baseball. Hicks is in the 100th percentile in fastball velocity. The 26-year-old had been rumored to discussing a contract extension with the Cardinals but it sounds like that may not happen and the Yankees could swoop in and shore up a hole on the roster. 

New York is in an interesting spot. The Yankees likely will be buyers ahead of the trade deadline as the club looks to gain some ground in the standings and Hicks could be a perfect fit in the back end of the bullpen. At this point, it's unclear if a move will happen, but Hicks could be a very intriguing pickup for New York if a deal can get done.