The St. Louis Cardinals didn’t even take the field for their first game post-All-Star break as their matchup against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park was postponed on Friday night. This resulted in a Saturday doubleheader. While these games are important, fans are now more focused on the upcoming trade deadline.
Initially looking like they were destined for another last-place finish in the NL Central, the Cardinals have turned their season around. They’ve climbed into second place in the division, just 4.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers, and hold a one-game lead in the National League Wild Card race. With the trade deadline just 10 days away, the team appears to be in a buying position.
Although upgrades could be made in several areas, many believe John Mozeliak’s top priority is the starting rotation. Sonny Gray has been a stellar free agent addition, Kyle Gibson has been solid, Lance Lynn has been inconsistent, Miles Mikolas has been mediocre, and the fifth rotation spot has been a revolving door. This is an area where the Cardinals can improve.
Recent rumors suggest the Cardinals have their sights set on two pitchers.
**MLB Rumors: Cardinals targeting Nathan Eovaldi, Zach Eflin at trade deadline**
According to MLB.com Cardinals insider John Denton, St. Louis is likely to pursue Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and Rays right-hander Zach Eflin at the trade deadline.
“For the first time in decades, the Cardinals were sellers at the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline, trading away five pitchers for a bevy of prospects. Now, the Cards will use those prospects and others to try and acquire pitching help and perhaps a difference-making right-handed bat. Two pitchers the Cards will likely target, per a source: Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and Rays righty Zach Eflin.”
Both Eovaldi and Eflin would be immediate upgrades to St. Louis’ rotation. Eovaldi, a World Series champion with the 2018 Boston Red Sox and the Rangers last year, has been impressive and healthy this season, posting a 3.36 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with a 3.47 xFIP. Moreover, he’s a proven postseason performer.
Eflin, with a 4.14 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over 18 starts with Tampa Bay, has underlying metrics indicating better performance, with a 3.66 FIP and a 3.39 xERA. This suggests he’s been a bit unlucky, making him a strong candidate for positive regression.
While both pitchers would benefit the Cardinals, Eflin appears more likely to be traded. MLB insider Jon Heyman assessed the chances of pitcher trades, deeming Eovaldi’s chances “Low” due to a complicated vesting option for 2025 and the Rangers’ potential second-half push. Eflin, however, was considered to have a “High” chance of being traded, despite being under control through 2025.
The Cardinals didn’t make significant offseason investments in pitching but did well under Mozeliak. They now need upgrades, and the $18 million per season for Eflin could be worthwhile, especially if it helps lower his trade cost, allowing St. Louis to make additional moves.
Early in the season, few expected the Cardinals to be in this position. Now that they are, Mozeliak and the Cardinals seem ready to make the necessary moves to bolster the team.
