St. Louis Cardinals
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Yet another team in desperate need for a closer in 2018, the St. Louis Cardinals aren’t going to enter the 2018 season with a half-hearted roster in place. Rumors of them dealing for Josh Donaldson and others will continue to swirl until everyone has a new home. Thus far, their search for a closer has been relatively quiet. One can assume they already know who it is they want.
The beauty of the Cardinals is that they have several rebound players on the roster. Randal Grichuk might not fit into the Yankees’ plans, but paired with another young talent, a deal could evolve. Perhaps Stephen Piscotty and his ability to play the corner outfield and first base would intrigue the Yankees more.
Seung-hwan Oh’s departure and Tommy John Surgery for Trevor Rosenthal drastically limit the internal options the Cardinals could go with. Eager to return to the postseason, I can definitely see them going after Betances with all their might.
Next: Kyle Schwarber trade destinations
The pitching staff is a major weakness for the Cardinals. Now that they will probably lose Lance Lynn to free agency, the focus may go toward building the rotation rather than securing a closer. Whichever it is they favor, expect the Cardinals to let the rest of the 29 MLB teams know they are prepared to make a deal.