The St. Louis Cardinals are well-positioned to make moves at this summer’s trade deadline, with starting pitching being a top priority for the team.
Despite a lean market, the Cardinals have time to explore creative options to strengthen their rotation. If the Cincinnati Reds, their National League Central rivals, continue to struggle, St. Louis might consider trading for one of their bullpen assets.
Frankie Montas, a right-handed pitcher for the Reds, was highlighted as a potential trade candidate by Jon Heyman of the New York Post on June 27. Montas has posted a 3-6 record with a 4.23 ERA, a 58-to-30 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a .236 batting average against, and a 1.31 WHIP over 72 1/3 innings pitched for Cincinnati in 2024.
The 31-year-old pitcher has a $20 million mutual option with a $2 million buyout for 2025, making him a plausible trade candidate if the Reds are looking to rebuild. Although Montas’s performance this season hasn’t been stellar, his career record of 40-41 with a 3.93 ERA, 670-to-227 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .249 batting average against, and a 1.30 WHIP over nine seasons showcases his potential.
The Reds need outfield help, which the Cardinals could offer by trading from their surplus of outfielders along with a couple of prospects for Montas. While giving up top prospects for Montas might not be ideal, acquiring him without sacrificing too much of their future could be a worthwhile move for the Cardinals.
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