First Pitch: 3 realistic Xander Bogaerts trade packages for Red Sox to consider

This trade package is loaded with prospects ready to compete at the major-league level. Gorman was just called up by St. Louis, while Yepez is already contributing as a big bat. I wrote about this proposition on Thursday, as well — and keep in mind that St. Louis has already been linked to Bogaerts, and could feasibly wait until this offseason to sign him.

Said deal is under the assumption that the Cards would rather not be patient:

"“Keep in mind how impactful of a player Bogaerts can be. Heck, he’s your shortstop for the next half-decade if things work out, and could potentially bring a World Series or two to the organization. That sort of upgrade costs significant prospect capital. Gorman is close to the MLB level and could slide in at second base. Trevor Story could move to shortstop as a result, as well, giving Boston a more stable infield. Yepez has performed decently in his brief time at the MLB level. Considering first base is a void right now for Boston, Yepez could be an immediate upgrade there until Triston Casas is ready. Jake Walsh would provide immediate bullpen relief for a Red Sox team that desperately needs it. That accounts for two prospects in the Cards top-6, and another in the top-25 per MLB Pipeline. Not a bad haul for Boston, and it doesn’t completely destroy St. Louis’ system. The Cardinals hanging on to top-ranked 19-year-old third baseman Jordan Walker is key here.”"

Shortstop is a clear hole for the Cardinals, so it’s not a surprise to see them on this list. After pulling off big trades for Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado in recent years, could they complete their infield by adding Bogaerts?

The argument against any trade by St. Louis is that they could merely sign Bogaerts this offseason. But as we’ve seen in years past, nothing is guaranteed in MLB Free Agency.

Keeping Gorman, Yepez and Walsh in tow would be ideal, but the longer St. Louis waits, the greater the chance Bogaerts ends up somewhere else not just this season, but long-term as well.