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How the St. Louis Cardinals trading Jordan Walker to the Seattle Mariners makes sense

Apr 8, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Jordan Walker (18) rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Jordan Walker (18) rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
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Jul 1, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby (68) pitches to the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 1, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby (68) pitches to the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Examining another potential St. Louis Cardinals-Seattle Mariners trade

Trade #2:

St. Louis Cardinals (Receive)-

  1. George Kirby (Age 25)- SEA (RHP) – Starting Pitcher
  2. Bryan Woo (Age 23)- SEA (RHP) – Starting Pitcher

Seattle Mariners (Receive)-

  1. Jordan Walker (Age 21)- STL (RHB) – INF/OF
  2. Ryan Helsley (Age 28) – STL (RHP) Relief Pitcher
  3. Nolan Gorman (Age 23) STL (LHB) – INF
  4. Paul DeJong (Age 29) STL (RHB) – INF (STL eats half of $12.5 million contract if club option is picked up in 2024)

I think this deal is a little less likely due to the Seattle Mariners having to part ways with two top young arms, but I tried to put together a package of young and controllable players from St. Louis that possibly fit their needs and interests.

For the Seattle Mariners, they need to make a decision. At some point, to get what they need moving forward, they have to be willing to wheel and deal their young arms. George Kirby has been a solid third starter in their rotation this season with a 3.48 FIP.  Bryan Woo, on the other hand, is their second-ranked pitching prospect and seeing his first action in the big leagues this season with his seven starts where he owns a 3.08 FIP in 34.2 innings.

What they get in return is a mix in this deal. I will spare you the same comments on Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman, but in order for the St. Louis Cardinals to get two young talented arms, they need to be willing to give back in another way to the Seattle Mariners.

Paul DeJong is a safe bet for the Mariners to bite on. He plays high-quality shortstop defensively, even though in my other article highlighting the St. Louis Cardinals defensives woes, he has regressed. He also has a club owned option for 2024 and 2025. To spice it up even more, I say the Cardinals offer half of his contract in 2024 if the Seattle Mariners are willing to take a flier on him and offer a spot the following season.

Ryan Helsley, if he can pass a physical, is a strong addition to the Seattle Mariners bullpen for the next three season as he is controlled through 2026. The Mariners look at this as a positive for their pitching staff as a whole. Lose a pair of front-line pieces in their rotation but gain in the back end of ballgames along with other pieces that make a more well-rounded ball club.

Jordan Walker is a fine young talent. I think John Mozeliak will be uptight to get rid of another highly touted outfielder like him as we all know how bad those other deals burned the organization in the past. However, if indeed the birds on the bat are pivoting their direction, these two deals could magnificently change the direction back to pitching and defense.

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