The Blue Jays could use a left-handed bat and the Cardinals need a catcher. Could there be a commercial match between the two clubs this winter?
Since I can’t help myself, I’m already thinking about ways the Blue Jays could improve this offseason, and I know I’m not the only one. I’ve already written a few posts about general thoughts on the job that Ross Atkins and the front office have ahead of them, including one where I talked about what I consider to be an off-season checklist. Today I’d like to talk about how to take care of a few of those items with a massive trade idea if the Blue Jays can line up with the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason.
The Cardinals have had a solid year thanks to MVP-caliber performances from veterans like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, and with the latter already opted for the last five years and 144 million on his contract, you know they plan to try to fight in the immediate term. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be at all surprising if the Cards made an aggressive move to fill the hole that Yadiier Molina will leave on the roster with his retirement, and the Blue Jays have a few backstops that could fit the description.
Granted, the trade idea I’m about to offer is a bit too clean for most MLB deals. It’s rare that you can trade two major league players for two, especially when they’re all young and talented. However, we know from Blue Jays franchise history that it’s certainly possible, and it would represent a modern, low-key take on the Fred McGriff and Tony Fernandez trade for Joe Carter and Roberto Alomar that happened. produced in December 1990.
Anyway, remember it’s mostly for fun, so don’t pick me up if you don’t like the idea.
The Blue Jays get:
Cardinals get:
- Gabriel Moreno
- Santiago Espinal
If you’re already scoffing at the proposition, let me do my best to explain why I think it actually works for both parties, though I admit it would take a long time to have a tidy little two for two treat like that.
For the Blue Jays, it would be a major win, as they would turn their enviable catching depth into a significant boost in two other areas on the roster. Edman is a capable middle fielder who can line up at shortstop or second base, and as a switch hitter with a whole lot of speed, he would be an option capable of hitting near the top of the line. lineup to help break up the relentless right-hand attack. I don’t think the Cardinals are going to be mad to let go of the 27-year-old, but I do believe they’ll appreciate the value of high-level capture as much as anyone, and you have to give something up to get a player back. like Moreno in return. Putting Espinal in the deal, however, helps soften the midfielder’s blow, and he will have four years of arbitration eligibility compared to the remaining three years of Edman’s contract scrutiny as well.
As for Carlson, the 24-year-old hasn’t had a great 2022 campaign otherwise this business idea might seem a bit more far-fetched. He ended up cutting .236/.316/.380 in 128 games played, with injuries playing a part early in the year. If we look at what he did in his first full MLB season in 2021 when he finished third in Rookie of the Year voting, that’s when it’s easier to see the appeal of the former first-round pick when he was good for 3.8 bWAR. Of course, his ability as a center fielder is what the Blue Jays would really be interested in relieving some of the pressure on Springer, and his ability to switch shots would be another added bonus, especially if he can cut .266 / .343/.437 again with some pop like it did in 2021.
By now you might be wondering if the cardinals would actually be interested in something like this. When I pitch this trade idea via baseballtradevalues.com, it looks about square here, with Moreno identified as the most valuable player:
That said, I’ll admit there might be a bit of bias here, and trading both Edman and Carlson might be more than the Cardinals are willing to do. On the Blue Jays side, I would definitely be willing to add another minor leaguer or two in order to close the deal, and maybe someone like Spencer Horwitz would be enough to fill the gap. However, we also can’t ignore the value of the Cardinals getting another franchise-worthy receiver in Moreno in this trade, and I’m confident that would at least tempt them as they make plans beyond the Molina era in St. Louis. However, it wouldn’t be a huge shock if they wanted to trade Kirk for Moreno in a deal with a frame like this either, or maybe even ask for a third bigger piece.
For the Blue Jays, this could give their roster a look that would look like this:
1- George Springer (RF)
2-Tommy Edman (2B)
3- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B)
4- Bo Bichette (SS)
5- Alejandro Kirk (DH)
6- Matt Chapman (3B)
7- Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (LF)
8- Dylan Carlson (FC)
9- Danny Jansen (C)
As I’ve written in a few other posts this offseason, I expect at least one of Teoscar Hernandez or Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to be traded over the winter, mostly because of their free agency in waiting after the 2023 season ends, so I don’t think I forgot them here, or guys like Whit Merrifield and Cavan Biggio. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if any of the last four names also had appeal to Cardinals, which could give trade talks several different avenues.
With three more than talented catchers to be the No. 1 options on most big league rosters, the Blue Jays are in a strong position again this offseason, at least as far as the trade market goes. I’m sure the Cardinals aren’t the only team that could come calling, but if they do, there could be more than a few trade ideas to discuss between the two clubs.
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