MLB Rumors: A Cardinals blockbuster, Dylan Cease suitor, NY Mets prospect

MLB Rumors: Cardinals trade target has dominant start

In that same Bleacher Report article, Rymer listed Logan Gilbert as another likely trade candidate. Gilbert, who the Cardinals were interested in near the trade deadline, had his best start of the season on Tuesday night.

Gilbert threw seven innings of scoreless baseball, striking out 12 batters in the process. Gilbert became just the second Mariner to strike out 12 batters, give up no runs and walk no batters, joining Felix Hernandez.

“I think it’s just a lot of practice and good execution, just everything coming together,” Gilbert said, per MLB.com. “It doesn’t always turn out like this, but when it does, it’s pretty fun. And in a game like that, too. It’s a close game. Every pitch matters.”

Gilbert credited the defense behind him for making some incredible plays, which included Julio Rodriguez’s home run robbery of Fernando Tatis Jr.

“With the defense playing behind me, I’m just trying to do my part to keep things going,” Gilbert said. “And with the win streak, trying to just keep it going.”

If the Mariners keep playing like this — and Gilbert continues to pitch this well — it’s tough to see them parting ways with him anytime soon. He’s under contract until 2027, why trade him? Seattle plans on contending. FanSided’s Scott Rogust outlined the Cardinals persistent interest in Gilbert, which started in early July:

"“Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on July 14 that Gilbert “is of interest to the Cardinals,” but stresses that “it’s unclear what the Mariners would command in exchange.” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal mentioned in a column (subscription required) ahead of the trade deadline that the Cardinals and Mariners match up in terms of St. Louis’ need for a young starting pitcher. But, Rosenthal notes that to get Gilbert, a trade package would have to start with promising young outfielder Lars Nootbaar.”"

The odds of such a trade happening are slim to none at the moment, despite the Cardinals need for young pitching.