3 big names on the trade block Cardinals should target

The Chicago White Sox could trade Craig Kimbrel after picking up his 2022 option

Even with the Chicago White Sox picking up reliever Craig Kimbrel’s option for 2022, the South Siders could still potentially deal him for more assets. Despite having a strong first half on the North Side with the Chicago Cubs, Kimbrel’s addition at the deadline was wonky at best for the White Sox. Regardless of if he’s a future Hall of Famer, the Cardinals should try to deal for him.

It may be a $16 million option for Kimbrel this upcoming season, but he is destined for Cooperstown for a reason. He may not be as otherworldly as he was out of the gate to begin his career with the Atlanta Braves, but he has had success in all four of his other big-league stops along the way. At 33-years-old, Kimbrel still has plenty of saves left in that right arm of his.

Kimbrel made his eighth trip to the Midsummer Classic last year. On the year, he had a 2.26 ERA in 63 combined appearances for the Chicago teams. He may have struggled once going over the White Sox, but we all know he was being used in a role he was not accustomed to. If the Cardinals want to shorten games, having Kimbrel as their star closer will certainly help them in that regard.

Getting better in the relief corps will help, but the Cardinals must make a splash as shortstop first.