Cardinals rumors: 3 division rivals we should trade for
By Tim Boyle
If there are any St. Louis Cardinals rumors involving trades with their division rivals, expect to see these three players mentioned as possibilities.
The St. Louis Cardinals are one of two competitive teams within the National League Central. Along with the Milwaukee Brewers, they are the only other team with a chance within the division to make the postseason. We should expect plenty of Cardinals rumors this summer relating to them as buyers.
Sticking exclusively in the National League Central, there are three teams to rummage through and strike a deal with. The Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds have all gotten off to slow starts and have a couple of players even they might be willing to trade within the division.
While names like Bryan Reynolds, Willson Contreras, and Luis Castillo might not get traded within the division, there are a few less notable yet good players the Cardinals could realistically acquire from the three losing rivals at this year’s trade deadline.
Cardinals rumors: Jose Quintana is the Pirates pitcher to target
The Pittsburgh Pirates gave veteran lefty Jose Quintana a chance with them this year in a season where expectations weren’t very high for the Bucs. Quintana is several years removed from the prime of his career when he enjoyed some success on both Chicago clubs—first with the White Sox and later after getting traded to the Cubs.
It was while with the Cubs that Quintana went from being a reliable starter good for 200+ innings to more of a fifth starter. Injuries took somewhat of a toll and by last season he found himself pitching more in relief than as a starter.
Fortunately for him, Quintana has rebounded nicely in Pittsburgh. Through 8 starts he’s 1-2 with a 2.43 ERA. This could be the beginning of a veteran pitcher reinventing himself in the twilight of his career.
Trades at the deadline involving division rivals aren’t too common and a deal involving Quintana wouldn’t be something to stop these two clubs from doing something. Quintana is on only a one-year contract so there’s nothing for the Pirates to lose other than maybe help the Cardinals out.
From a St. Louis perspective, they can add a starting pitcher to their ailing rotation and probably do so for nothing more than some minor league lottery tickets. Quintana could always end up in their bullpen too and if used right turn into a nice asset in the final weeks of the season.