3 players Cardinals should steal in the impending Cubs fire sale

1. Cardinals trade rumors: Craig Kimbrel is baseball’s best reliever

As mentioned, the Cardinals aren’t necessarily in a traditional position where teams would be willing to roll the dice for the sake of improving their contending odds. St. Louis sits nine games back of the division lead and they’re 7.5 games out of a Wild Card spot.

Should things change in the next few weeks and then get on a significant winning streak, they could put their hat in the ring for All-Star reliever Craig Kimbrel.

After a few disappointing seasons, Kimbrel has reemerged as one of, if not the best closer in baseball. The right-hander has allowed just two earned runs in 31.2 innings (0.57 ERA), along with a 0.663 WHIP and 15.3 K/9 ratio in 33 appearances this season. He’s also held opposing hitters to just a .104 batting average while converting 20 of 22 saves.

The Cardinals already have a reliable closer in Alex Reyes, but finding a way to acquire Kimbrel would make for a devastating 1-2 punch at the backend of games.

Kimbrel will make $16 million this season and he also has a $16 million team option and $1 million buyout for 2022. He’s the type of player that will leave plenty of contending teams making calls, sending DM’s, and whatever else it’ll take to get Chicago’s attention.