St. Louis Cardinals Rumors: Harrison Bader reunion in the works?
The New York Yankees place outfielder Harrison Bader on waivers this week. Bader was initially acquired in the Jordan Montgomery trade at last season's deadline. Despite some flashes of brilliance in the New York outfield, Bader's bat could not keep up with his glove, thus focring Brian Cashman's hand. MLB Trade Rumors outlined Bader's offensive struggles in a recent article:
"Bader has landed on the injured list twice this season. He started the year on the shelf with an oblique strain and missed a few weeks with a hamstring issue. He has struggled mightily since returning on June 20, slumping to a .230/.272/.304 batting line in 55 contests. His season slash is down to .242/.279/.370 with just seven homers through 302 plate appearances."
Bader had 1.5 years left on his contract when he was waived by the Yankees. If St. Louis were to claim him, they would take on the remainder of his deal, which would cement him as part of the Cardinals outfield beyond this season.
St. Louis has some pretty major questions to answer about its outfield heading into the offseason. Bader would be just one of many in a crowded position battle this year, but if the Cards value his defense, there's room for him in the 2024 group. Tyler O'Neill and Dylan Carlson could be popular trade targets for the Cardinals, especially if they want to acquire starting pitching via trade.
At the very least, Cardinals fans can say with certainty they won the Montgomery trade.
St. Louis Cardinals Rumors: Tommy Edman proves front office right
Tommy Edman was never available for trade per reports around the deadline, and that turned out to be the right move despite what John Mozeliak could've received in return for the prized shortstop. Edman is slashing just .241/.298/.406 on the season, but he's come up huge for St. Louis in back-to-back games against the San Diego Padres.
Edman had a walk-off hit on Tuesday against the Pads, and a walk-off home run on Wednesday.
Edman still has two arbitration years left on his current contract which should come rather cheap for St. Louis. While his offensive production has dipped a bit this season, he provides value in that he can play multiple infield positions and isn't a complete black hole at the plate. Before the season, FanSided's Kevin Henry even suggested the time was now for an Edman extension, and that same argument can be applied today:
"With Nolan Arenado at third base and Paul Goldschmidt at first, add in a Gold Glove each for Donovan and Edman and the St. Louis infield certainly glitters. The offensive pop provided by those four is certainly nothing to ignore either, with Goldschmidt serving as the reigning National League MVP...St. Louis is certainly stacked in the infield, much like fellow NL rival Atlanta, a franchise that has opted to lock up key members of its core well into this decade and beyond."
While the Cards have failed to live up to expectations this season, it shouldn't derail their long-term vision. Mozeliak seems very aware of that. The infield setup isn't part of the problem in St. Louis.
St. Louis Cardinals Rumors: Lucas Giolito waiver claim coming?
When the Los Angeles Angels went all-in at the trade deadline, it was deemed a desperate move to prove to Shohei Ohtani that the organization is committed to contending. Unfortunately, those moves have backfired and then some. Even Ohtani is injured now, suffering a partially-torn UCL that could require rest or further intervention.
The Angels put Giolito, along with several other key contributors, on waivers Tuesday.
Lucas Giolito was acquired from the Chicago White Sox at the deadline, but has failed to live up to the standards of a front-line starter with the Angels. He's posted an ERA over six since he was acquired. Bringing on Giolito would essentially be seen as a short-term tryout in St. Louis. If he succeeded, the Cards would have a leg up in signing him to a long-term contract this winter.
FanSided's Robert Murray linked the Dodgers to Giolito in his column on Tuesday, suggesting the Cards may have some competition if they want to claim him:
"Giolito, who is in the final year of his contract, feels like a certainty to be claimed. There are many contending teams that could make sense for Giolito. But there's one fit that stands out above the others, and it's the Los Angeles Dodgers who could use another starting pitcher. Besides, look at the work they've done with rebuilding Lance Lynn."
The good news for St. Louis is that, due to their poor record, they would have the option to add Giolito before the Dodgers ever get a chance. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand linked the Cards to Giolito as a long-term option this offseason in a recent article.
Acquiring him now would give the Cards a significant edge over the likes of Los Angeles and even the Boston Red Sox, who Feinsand sees as a potential suitor.
