The St. Louis Cardinals have the potential to make a significant impact this summer if the 2024 Major League Baseball trade deadline works in their favor.
They are expected to make additions at the deadline, particularly to their starting rotation, which remains their biggest weakness despite efforts to strengthen it last offseason.
Currently, the Cardinals are without starter Steven Matz and need to find a replacement. Although it’s still about three weeks until the deadline, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden mentioned Toronto Blue Jays All-Star pitcher Yusei Kikuchi as a potential target.
“Manager Oli Marmol has excelled this year, justifying the decision of president of baseball operations John Mozeliak and owner Bill DeWitt Jr. to extend his contract in spring training,” Bowden said. “After finishing last in 2023 and starting this season slowly, the Cardinals are now second in their division and in the National League Wild Card race.
“Their front office is focused on improving the starting rotation and is eyeing another veteran starter after acquiring several in the offseason. It’s only a matter of time before they secure one. Possible options include Yusei Kikuchi of the Blue Jays, Erick Fedde of the Chicago White Sox, and Cal Quantrill of the Colorado Rockies.”
Kikuchi, a one-time All-Star with a 4.00 ERA in 19 starts this season, could definitely bolster the Cardinals’ rotation.
