MLB Rumors: Adley Rutschman extension, Harrison Bader regrade, Correa on boos

MLB Rumors: Did Yankees actually win the Harrison Bader trade?

Oh, let’s take a walk down memory lane. Well, not that far — I’m thinking last year’s MLB trade deadline.

The initial prognosis on the Harrison Bader deal was a bad one for the Yankees. Jordan Montgomery has pitched quite well for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was everything they wanted last year and then some, with a 3.11 ERA in just over 63 innings pitched. So, what’s the problem?

Well, St. Louis has struggled out of the gate. In fact, they could even be sellers at the trade deadline if this stretch continues. A couple of wins against the rival Cubs are nice, but they’ll need to take that momentum into their next series, and then some.

Bader’s injury history followed him to New York, where he missed the majority of the tail end of last season. However, in some cameos (and now full-time for the Yankees), Bader has looked tremendous, and the concerns the Cardinals initially had regarding his bat have seemingly disappeared.

“I’d do it again 100 times out of 100. He’s built for both the Yankees and this roster,” Yanks Go Yard’s Adam Weinrib said. “I’ll take the super CF who wants to be on his hometown team over the low-ceiling lefty. The best version of the Yankees’ rotation still doesn’t include him (Montgomery).”

Montgomery was a good find for the Cards, but ultimately Bader has the higher ceiling and, assuming he can stay healthy for a decent stretch, is a player the Yankees need. He’s one of the better defensive outfielders in the American League for a reason.

Montgomery, meanwhile, has proven he shouldn’t be a front-end starter on a playoff team. The Cardinals still lack that, which is why they’ll be in the trade market for said pitcher again if in a position to contend.