Cardinals rumors: 3 trade deadline deals to make, 2 to avoid

Cardinals Deal to Make: Starting Pitching

For several seasons now, the Cardinals have needed to acquire top-tier pitching. This season, they must get top-level pitching if they hope to contend now and in the future.

The Cardinals have several top pitching prospects developing in their minor league system. For now, the Cards are depending on starting pitching Adam Wainwright, who is in his final season as a major leaguer; Miles Mikolas, who is signed through the 2025 season; Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty, who are each free agents after this season; and pitching prospect Matthew Liberatore.

Steven Matz was shifted to the bullpen and is also with the club through 2025.

Gordon Graceffo, Mike McGreevy, and Cooper Hjerpe are just some pitching prospects waiting in the wings.  Jake Woodford, Andre Pallante, Zack Thompson, and Connor Thomas have had some experience in starting.

This is nice and all for the future. But it won’t help now, as the Cardinals are in last place in the NL Central.

The team need serious, top-tier starting pitching, the sooner, the better.