The St. Louis Cardinals have actually been a pretty big surprise this season, as they are currently in a virtual tie with the Miami Marlins for the National League’s third Wild Card spot. Most importantly, they are two games up on the Marlins in the loss column.
But in spite of how well the Cardinals have played, it’s clear they need some reinforcements if they are going to fight off Miami and the rest of the competition — including the hated rival Chicago Cubs — in the playoff race.
St. Louis could definitely stand to add some more offense, but it also must look to acquire some depth for its pitching staff, both in the starting rotation and the bullpen.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic focused on the Cardinals’ starting rotation in his latest piece, naming San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray is a potential trade target for St. Louis.
Considering the Cubs — who are in dire need of starting pitching — are expected to be in pursuit of Ray, as well, a potential Cardinals trade would kill two birds with one stone. It would not only strengthen St. Louis’ own rotation, but it would weaken Chicago’s playoff chances, as well.
Ray is widely expected to be dealt before the MLB trade deadline. The veteran has logged a 3.45 ERA this season, allowing just 79 hits while registering 86 strikeouts over 101.2 innings of work.
No, Ray is no longer the same pitcher he was during his prime years, and his command (4.1 BB/9) is definitely an issue. But he would still represent an upgrade for the Redbirds’ rotation, and considering he is 34 years old and slated to hit free agency at season’s end, he shouldn’t be too expensive.
The Cardinals’ farm system is also loaded with talent and depth, so president Chaim Bloom should have a lot of bullets in the chamber when it comes to swinging deals before Aug. 3.
Ray won the AL Cy Young award with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021 after posting a 2.84 ERA and leading the majors with 284 strikeouts.
Oddly enough, the right-hander has made just two All-Star appearances, which came in 2017 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and last year in San Francisco.
Somehow, Ray didn’t make the All-Star Game during his Cy Young season.
