Jim Bowden of The Athletic suggested that if the Cardinals decide to sell, Paul Goldschmidt might be a player they consider moving. Could a potential deal with the Yankees be in the cards?
Despite staying competitive in the Wild Card race, the Cardinals are still struggling to reach a .500 record. Currently, they plan to be buyers at the trade deadline, but it seems unlikely they’ll pursue a top-tier starting pitcher. Instead, they may opt to address specific needs, which could help but may not elevate them to World Series contention.
Bowden maintains that the Cardinals could shift to sellers, a sentiment shared by others. If their season takes a downturn, Goldschmidt could become a trade candidate. Bowden mentioned the Yankees as a possible destination for the slugger if Anthony Rizzo doesn’t regain form.
Would the Cardinals consider trading Goldschmidt to the Yankees? If Rizzo’s struggles continue, could the Yankees inquire about Goldschmidt? And would the Cardinals be willing to part with the former MVP?
Realistically, a trade involving Goldschmidt wouldn’t yield a blockbuster return. As an aging player in the final year of his contract, his trade value is somewhat limited. However, the Cardinals could still secure a decent return, albeit not necessarily a top prospect.
If a trade were to happen, speculation points to potential Yankees prospects like Will Warren or Clayton Beeter, both near Major League readiness, as trade pieces. This could provide the Cardinals with depth options in the minors, particularly for filling rotation spots in case of injuries.
While a straightforward swap is possible, the Yankees might also sweeten the deal with someone like Oswaldo Cabrera, who, like Goldschmidt, brings versatility and youth. Cabrera, capable of playing multiple positions, could complement the Cardinals’ future plans alongside players like Tommy Edman and Brendan Donovan.
The outcome hinges on how the Cardinals perform in the coming weeks. If they continue to improve and surpass .500, any talk of trading Goldschmidt could quickly fade away.
