MLB trade rumors: One player each team should target

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 27: Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates catches a ball hit by Wilson Ramos #40 of the Tampa Bay Rays (not pictured) during the sixth inning at PNC Park on June 27, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – JULY 1: Eric Hosmer #35 of the Kansas City Royals rounds the bases after connecting on a Felix Jorge #76 of the Minnesota Twins pitch for a two run home run in the first inning during game two of a doubleheader at Kauffman Stadium on July 1, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images) /

St. Louis Cardinals: Eric Hosmer

The Cardinals are definitely not out of the race in the NL Central. Winning the division is their only path into the playoffs in 2017, but the Cubs are a mess and the Brewers may fall off in the second half. St. Louis has no need to do a rebuild at this point. They have a solid starting rotation with Michael Wacha beginning to show better form.

St. Louis is an impact bat shy of being able to take control of the Central. The best fit for them is Eric Hosmer of the Royals. Hosmer is a prototypical St. Louis player — good contact, solid approach at the plate, steady defense, good leader. He would instantly become the best player in the Cardinals lineup.

Trading for Hosmer this season would have several benefits for the Cardinals. Winning the division during this window for the Cubs is always going to be difficult. St. Louis should jump all over the chance to win it this year. Hosmer is also a free agent at the end of the year, and the Cardinals are not dissimilar to the Royals in terms of team culture. Getting Hosmer in the door this season could prove more than a rental if it gives the Cardinals the inside track to re-signing him this winter.

If the Cardinals are able to acquire Hosmer, it could very well push them into the playoffs this year and lead to keeping him in St. Louis for the long haul.

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