This Cardinals-Rangers trade could give St. Louis the ace they desperately need

The St. Louis Cardinals should try to swing a trade for Texas Rangers ace Kyle Gibson at the deadline.

Per MLB insider Jon Heyman, Gibson remains one of the more likely pitchers moved at the trade deadline, as the Texas Rangers are clear sellers. With Joey Gallo also potentially out the door, the Rangers could restock their farm system by dealing Gibson as well.

Heyman had this to say about the starting pitching market as a whole:

"“Rivals view Kyle Gibson as a bit more likely to be traded than José Berrios. Meanwhile a thin starter market and uncertainty about availability of top guys Gibson, Berrios and other stars who range from possibilities to go (ie Morton) to long shots (ie Scherzer) delays market.”"

The Cardinals, meanwhile, have been lacking a true ace for their pitching staff ever since the injury to Jack Flaherty. After a promising start post All-Star break, Mike Girsch is left wondering if this team is worth adding to in pursuit of an NL Wild Card berth.

MLB rumors: Could the Texas Rangers trade Kyle Gibson to the St. Louis Cardinals?

Gibson has another season left on his deal at a $7 million clip, making him an attractive commodity for a Cardinals team building beyond just 2021. Unfortunately, it also means they’ll have to pay up to get him.

Acquiring a relatively unproven asset (before the season) is risky, and the Cardinals know that. That’s why Matthew Liberatore and Nolan Gorman are likely off the table. Ivan Herrera also looks like the catcher of the future once Yadier Molina retires.

Thompson is the Cardinals fourth-ranked prospect, while Rodriguez ranks 12th. Pallante, meanwhile is the 20th-ranked prospect in the Cards system.

So, overall, that’s three top-20 prospects. Rodriguez is blocked by Herrera in the system, and Pallante doesn’t project as a top-end MLB starter. Thompson is the major loss here.

It’s a steep price to pay, but the Cardinals have to be prepared.