MLB rumors: 3 teams that should trade for Chris Sale and why
By Tim Boyle
2) MLB rumors: The Cardinals might be the best match for Chris Sale
The St. Louis Cardinals have so many terrific trade pieces. It would be foolish for them to not use them. Their plethora of young talent on the MLB roster and in the minors can help land just about any player. They have a lot of starting pitchers heading into free agency next offseason and getting ahead of the game by landing Sale could give them a boost in 2023 and 2024.
Just because St. Louis has talent to spare doesn’t mean they should overpay for Sale. One pitcher they should look to move in the deal is Steven Matz. The lefty starter was signed to what looks like an unfavorable deal last winter. Clearing his roster spot and replacing him with Sale would be humungous. Adding in one decent prospect might even be enough to get the Red Sox to budge and deliver Sale to the Cardinals.
The Cardinals have yet to strike with any major pitching additions this winter. Their club has improved most behind the plate with the free agent signing of Willson Contreras.
The World Series window for the Cardinals is as open as possible in 2023. Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado remain two of the best at their positions. Growth from some other players may only make them more of a threat. A healthy year out of Sale anywhere close to what he has been in the past gives the Cardinals an ace we forgot about.