Cardinal Rumors: 07/29/2022
Coming live from DC (where I’ll be catching Saturday’s game), here are the rumors for the last 24 hours.
Juan Soto
From an unnamed source, this is pretty much a done deal. I don’t have player names yet, but the last reported package was Dylan Carlson, Nolan Gorman, Masyn Winn, Gordon Graceffo, and Alec Burleson.
That’s a huge package. Soto is a great talent, but the team will now have a hole at centerfield.
Adding fuel to the fire is the reports that Bill DeWitt II and John Mozeliak arrived in DC this morning; it’s uncommon for the team owner to go on a road trip. They are most likely negotiating in person and possibly feeling out Soto about an extension already; any extension talks won’t go anywhere because Soto is represented by Scott Boras and he hasn’t played a game for the team yet.
There are also the reports that Paul DeJong is in DC as well; he’s technically on the taxi squad, but I believe he’s there for the impending trade to take Gorman’s spot.
I would think this would be wrapped up quickly, but it could wait until Monday; with the teams playing each other right now, the Nationals wouldn’t want to send Soto across the dugout in front of the home town crowd. The last thing the Nats want is a double PR blunder of trading their most popular player, then having him make an impact immediately against them at home.
The only thing standing int he way: there is also a report that the Nats are going to make one last ditch attempt to extend Soto; if he refuses, then he’ll be shipped out.
The Padres and Rays are both still in on Soto and could make a last minute push. The Padres have MacKenzie Gore at the front of their offer (along with 4 other top prospects) while Randy Arozarena is the centerpiece with the Rays (with Josh Lowe and 3 top prospects added in).
Shohei Ohtani
The Angels are entertaining offers for the 2-way player, but they aren’t expected to move him. They are asking for a teams top 4 prospects at the least.
Truthfully, I’d rather send the above package to Los Angeles for Ohtani who can help the rotation and the lineup.
Other Pitchers
Derrick Goold is reporting that the Cardinals aren’t looking for a patch for the rotation, but rather upgrading it. Besides guys mentioned over the last few days (Luis Castillo, Frankie Montas), they are also looking at Pablo Lopez in Miami. Lopez is intriguing, but he doesn’t have the track record of Castillo and Montas. Noah Syndergaard was also mentioned by Goold, but I’d consider him more of that patch they aren’t looking for, unless he were the second pitcher they added.
No mention of Tyler Mahle, which is interesting. He’s got the same numbers as Montas and Castillo, but doesn’t get the same amount of hype.
Catchers?
The Cardinals haven’t been linked to any catchers. It’s a little surprising since that’s been the biggest weakness in the lineup this season. Sure, Yadier Molina is coming back (even after being hit by a pitch in the hand last night; he is playing today), but Yadi can’t hit. There are a few names out there still, but I don’t think they’ll get any of them. Unless they are added to a package with a pitcher, the Cardinals won’t want to trade any more prospects if they land Soto and a top pitcher.
the Cards have a great starting 8. It is highlighted by speed, great defense and a very good offense. Put some descent pitching on the mound and it fits the St. L ball park to a T. Should not panic with all the injuries and tear it down. They should get some pitching.