Cardinals Trade Rumors 07/28/2023: Arenado, Hicks, Flaherty, DeJong

July 28, 2023 Eugene Tierney

Contents

Nolan Arenado to the Dodgers? The Cardinals say no while L.A. thinks it could happen

Also rumors around Jordan Hicks, Jack Flaherty, Paul DeJong, and more

The Nolan Arenado to the Dodgers talk won’t die down; even though the Cards don’t want to deal their star, they are still listening to offers. Prospect names like Bobby Miller, Emmet Sheehan, Michael Grove, and Ryan Pepiot have been thrown around, along with veterans Max Muncy (the same guy that accused the Cardinals of bullying umpires; he might disagree after last night) and Chris Taylor. With the prospects mentioned, the Cardinals would be stupid not to at least listen.

Arenado does have a full no trade clause and would apparently waive it for the Dodgers; he has not been asked to do so…yet.

The extension talks with Jordan Hicks haven’t progressed since it was originally reported; he’s probably one of the biggest trade chips the Cardinals have at this point. I’m not sure on what he’s looking for, but the Cardinals could trade him and attempt to bring him back after the season.

While Hicks doesn’t look like he’s getting an extension, the team is hopeful to work something out with Jack Flaherty. Reports are stating the Cardinals are hoping for “an 11th-hour long-term extension” with Flaherty. While that would be nice, I don’t see it happening; I’m not one of those “he doesn’t want to be in St. Louis” people, but he’s always went the route to maximize his earnings under team control. I don’t see that changing right before he hits free agency.

A second report has come out linking Paul DeJong to the Giants; they need middle infield help and he could fill in at second and short for them. The Red Sox and Marlins are also interested.

The Yankees interest in Dylan Carlson is pretty well known at this point, but prospect pitchers Clayton Beeter and Randy Vazquez are new names in the discussion; one or both could be available as part of a package for Carlson and MLB pitching.

Here’s other names that the Cardinals have been asked about: Ryan Helsley, Jordan Montgomery, Giovanny Gallegos, Chris Stratton, Alec Burleson, Tyler O’Neill, Nolan Gorman. I’m sure teams have asked about Paul Goldschmidt and Jordan Walker, but they are part of the original “untouchable” group that the team won’t move.

Elsewhere in the league…
The Brewers were able to get 1B Carlos Santana from the Pirates; infield prospect Jhonny Severino goes to Pittsburgh. Santana is a league average hitter (99 OPS+) who’s a free agent after the season; the Brewers need help at first base and he’s a solid pickup. The Pirates got a top 30 International Free Agent from last period that is already playing in the states; he’ll probably be a third baseman in the long run, but has a great batting profile. He’ll probably be in the 10-15 range in the Pirates system, which is good for an 18-year-old.

The Marlins acquired closer David Robertson from the Mets for 2 low level prospects: Marco Vargas and Ronald Hernandez. Robertson is one of the better relievers on the market and the Mets got 2 promising prospects in return. No money changed hands in the deal; the Mets needed to clear payroll, or they probably could have gotten prospects closer to the majors.

We’re seeing again that some quality prospects are being moved for rentals. Not ace level quality, but guys that do have some potential. The issue is the Cardinals might be waiting too long to make a deal; the Braves, Angels, and Marlins could all be out on top relievers now after making deals.

Rumored Players
Here’s a list of guys and who they are tied to: