The trade deadline looms three weeks away, signaling the imminent movement of players across the league. The Cardinals have clarified their strategy: rather than opting to sell and concede the season, they are actively looking to bolster their roster and acquire new talent.
The specific approach they will take remains uncertain. Recent reports from Derrick Goold and Ben Frederickson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch hint that the Cardinals may explore trading assets such as Jordan Walker.
Ken Rosenthal, speaking on Foul Territory today, outlined his perspective on the Cardinals’ strategy and their potential decision regarding Walker.
“I anticipate it will be a topic of discussion, but Jordan Walker is currently in Triple-A and not performing particularly well,” remarked Rosenthal. “While he possesses tremendous potential, trading him now would mean selling at a low point. The Cardinals have experienced setbacks in trading outfielders before.”
Rosenthal’s insights suggest that the Cardinals are unlikely to part with Walker, as they aim to avoid repeating past mistakes in trading outfielders.
Nevertheless, Rosenthal did delve into the Cardinals’ broader deadline strategy and how they plan to reinforce their team.
“They have other Major League assets they can leverage, especially with injured players returning,” Rosenthal added. “They could potentially trade Dylan Carlson, Ivan Herrera, or explore other avenues to address their needs. Currently, they are left-handed heavy and seek right-handed hitting and additional starting pitching.”
Carlson and Herrera may find themselves surplus to requirements, particularly with Pedro Pages emerging in Herrera’s absence and Carlson’s current lack of a guaranteed starting role.
Rosenthal commended the Cardinals’ rotation for surpassing expectations this season, but emphasized the need for a reliable Game 2 starter in a playoff series, which the team currently lacks. He suggested the Cardinals could benefit from acquiring right-handed hitting externally, potentially via a rental bat to complement Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado.
Regarding Walker, Rosenthal expressed skepticism about the Cardinals trading him at a diminished value, given their likely stance as buyers rather than sellers unless circumstances change dramatically.
While Rosenthal acknowledged the potential inclusion of Walker in a trade package for a top-tier starter like Nathan Eovaldi, he noted the scarcity of such elite options currently available on the market.
In conclusion, while Walker’s future with the Cardinals appears secure for now, the team remains focused on fortifying their rotation and addressing roster needs as the trade deadline approaches.