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St. Louis Cardinals: 3 Trade Candidates to Become Their New Closer

By Nick Reid

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: Jordan Hicks of the St. Louis Cardinals exits the game after allowing four run against the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh inning at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: Jordan Hicks of the St. Louis Cardinals exits the game after allowing four run against the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh inning at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

#3: Alex Colomé, Chicago White Sox

After thriving in a set-up role for the majority of 2018 for the Seattle Mariners, “The Horse” has been even better as the 9th inning guy for the Chicago White Sox this season. Colomé has gone a perfect 16-for-16 in save opportunities with a 2.15 ERA, 214 ERA+, and career-low 3.4 H/9. This is perhaps the best Colomé has ever been, with a 0.68 WHIP that ranks first in the junior circuit amongst qualified relievers and a wOBA that ranks in the 2nd percentile.

The cutter-hurling veteran would be a formidable replacement for Hicks as St. Louis’ closer. Although he’s never pitched for a playoff team, Colomé’s thrived in high-pressure situations this season and would be shopped by the White Sox for the right return since they don’t appear to contend this season. On top of that, Colomé has a year and a half left before he reaches free agency thus he would be back next season as the Cards’ closer until Hicks is ready to return near the 2020 All-Star break.

There are some signs of concern with Colomé given his elevated FIP (4.22) and well-below-usual 7.8 K/9, but the 30-year old appears to be in his prime and is getting outs in the closer role nonetheless, which is what the Cardinals need.

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