MLB Rumors: Cardinals roadblock, Pirates waiting game, Verlander out?

MLB Rumors: Cardinals have a roadblock with Logan Gilbert

The St. Louis Cardinals identified Logan Gilbert, among other starting pitchers, as a player they would be interested in acquiring as they look to retool for 2024. Gilbert is just 26 years old and highly valued by the Seattle Mariners.

That creates a roadblock for St. Louis. Gilbert has performed well this season — he has a 3.66 ERA in 18 starts. For the Cards, acquiring Gilbert as a top-tier starting pitcher sounds great. The question remains if they have the assets to acquire him, though. MLB Trade Rumors outlined Gilbert’s case as one of the better young starters in baseball:

"“To be clear, there’s no indication that the Mariners have any inclination towards trading Gilbert, but it’s entirely understandable why the Cards would be interested. The 26-year-old Gilbert has made 74 starts to this point in his career, posting a 3.75 ERA with a 24% strikeout rate, 5.7% walk rate and 36.9% ground ball rate. He’s right in line with those figures this year, having a 3.66 ERA with similar peripherals in 18 starts.”"

To acquire a pitcher the caliber of Gilbert, the Cards may have to make a tough decision. Tyler O’Neill and Dylan Carlson should be available. Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty will be free agents following this season, as well. Yet, Gilbert has several years of arbitration left on his deal. St. Louis’ best chance at acquiring him would be to package some of those stars, or trade away someone who has yet to be named, like a Brendan Donovan type (as unlikely as that trade may sound).

The Cards interest in Gilbert does give us some insight as to the profile of a pitcher they would be interested in, though. St. Louis wants young, controllable assets, but players who are proven at the major-league level who can step in right away. Gilbert fits that mix, as to many others. They aren’t easy to pry away from opposing teams, however.