Cardinals Rumors: Trade target shines, Jack Flaherty concern, Contreras blame game

Cardinals Rumors: Why not trade for Eduardo Rodriguez?

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez is arguably the hottest commodity in baseball right now. While Detroit is succeeding at the moment in the AL Central, that could all fall apart at any moment. Trust me, I’m a Tigers fan.

If — and it’s a relatively major if — St. Louis can turn things around to the point of competing in the NL Central, Rodriguez could be the starting pitcher they need to actually lead the starting rotation. Adam Wainwright, Jack Flaherty and Jordan Montgomery aren’t going to cut it. Rodriguez has the stuff necessary to be a real asset for any team, including the Cardinals.

FanSided’s Rogelio Castro floated the Cards as a potential suitor for Rodriguez.

"“Detroit should trade him while his value peaks. Speculation suggests the Cardinals, boasting an excess of certain positional players Detroit needs, particularly outfielders, could be a good fit. St. Louis neglected its rotation during the offseason to the dismay of fans. Now, they’re feeling the impact; the rotation’s ERA sits at 5.26. Detroit, however, would expect more than an ailing Tyler O’Neill or Juan Yepez.”"

Acquiring Rodriguez would come at some cost, even though he’s potentially on an expiring deal. If he keeps pitching like this, though, that cost will only get higher from the Tigers perspective.

St. Louis has missed its opportunities at trading for a real ace in the past. Heck, they had several in the minor leagues in Zac Galen and Sandy Alcantara, only to move them for pieces they frankly did not need. Rodriguez could at least somewhat make up for those misses.