Cardinals: A Tyler Mahle trade the Reds cannot refuse

The St. Louis Cardinals need pitching, that much is clear. With Jack Flaherty on his way back, that’ll be a boost. But for now, it’s Adam Wainwright and not much help. Could Tyler Mahle be the answer?

Wainwright has carried St. Louis’ rotation at times this year, especially due to injuries to Flaherty and free-agent acquisition Steven Matz.

Even with Flaherty returning sometime in June, the Cards’ back-end could use some work. St. Louis traded for the likes of JA Happ and Jon Lester at the deadline last season for a reason. This offseason, they didn’t do all that much to retain either.

FanSided MLB Insider Robert Murray stated he’s be surprised if St. Louis is among the finalists for Frankie Montas, as the A’s asking price is too high for their liking. Tyler Mahle of the division rival Reds might make more sense from a compensation standpoint.

Cardinals: A Tyler Mahle trade that makes sense

Mahle has one year of arbitration left after this season, so that may buy the Reds a couple of top-20 prospects, at best. Given Mahle entered his most recent start (which is going quite well for him, I might add) with an ERA near six, St. Louis should still be able to afford him without giving up a top prospect.

For Mahle, the Cards would have to give up three prospects, all ranked in their organization’s top-30, but none in the MLB top-100. That should be considered a win.

Thompson is the team’s No. 9 prospect, and could be ready to produce at the MLB level. At 24 years old, he’s reportedly not being considered for a bullpen spot at the moment. Perhaps the Reds could find a spot for him on the 40-man to contribute right away.

Perez is a shortstop, and rated in the top-20. Given the number of shortstops ranked above him in the Cardinals’ system, it makes sense for St. Louis to deal from a position of strength. Still, shortstop is always a valuable prospect position.

Lastly, Rodriguez is a catcher prospect. St. Louis already has their catcher of the future in Ivan Herrera, and Rodriguez is close to the MLB level at age 24. On a losing team like Cincinnati, he could get a chance to show what he’s got.