MLB trade deadline: Yankees-Cardinals make last-minute trade

The St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees just beat the MLB trade deadline to make a pitcher-for-outfielder swap that both teams hope will solidify their plans for a deep postseason run.

MLB trade deadline news: St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees make a swap

The New York Yankees sent starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for outfielder Harrison Bader. Montgomery becomes the second starting pitcher grabbed by the Cardinals during the trade deadline frenzy, joining former Pittsburgh Pirates starter Jose Quintana.

Montgomery became somewhat expendable for the Yankees after the team acquired starting pitcher Frankie Montas from the Oakland A’s. Mongtomery has started 21 games for the Yankees this season, posting a 3.69 ERA/3.91 FIP/1.099 WHIP in 114.2 innings. The 29-year-old southpaw has also had a bit of tough luck for the Yankees this season, so a change of scenery may bring a change of luck as well.

The 28-year-old Bader, meanwhile, will give New York a defensive boost in the outfield with the defense that earned him a Gold Glove after the 2021 season. This season, Bader has slashed .256/.303/.370 with five home runs and 21 RBI. A third-round draft pick of the Cardinals in the 2015 MLB draft, Bader has not played with the Cardinals since June 26, battling plantar fascitis in his right foot. However, he has been on a rehab assignment with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds, so he is trending health-wise in the right direction.

Bader has only played in center field for the Cardinals over the past three seasons, but does have past experience in both right and left field, an important point for New York, who will likely be looking for defensive help in left field after dealing Joey Gallo to the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier in the day.

The Yankees will also get a player to be named later or cash considerations in the deal.

We will have more on this story as it develops.