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Inbox: Could Cards look to trade for elite arm?
- Updated: November 21, 2016
Will the Cardinals go after a frontline pitcher like Chris Sale? — Ken P., Las Vegas
The Cardinals have not expressed a deep interest in pursuing starting pitching this offseason, mostly because they believe they have a wealth of it. Sale, though, is a special talent, and his addition to any rotation would give it a bona fide ace.
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Because that puts Sale in a category all his own, I could see the Cardinals at least considering the possibility. However, I’m not sure they’d be able to put together a package that would top what is offered by others. That package would almost certainly start with Alex Reyes — who is ranked No. 1 on the club’s list of top prospects — and it would also have to include other high-ceiling players. Since Sale is under control through 2019, the White Sox would be seeking a bundle of talent if they decide to deal him.
If the White Sox do plunge fully into rebuilding mode this offseason, perhaps the Cards could explore acquiring another player on their roster instead. Outfielder Adam Eaton, who is under contract through 2021, would improve the Cardinals’ outfield defense and be a fit atop the lineup. Eaton wouldn’t command as much in return as Sale, and he would fit a more pressing need.
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If Matt Carpenter moves to first base, wouldn’t the Cards be better off looking for someone to play third base or shortstop (with Aledmys Diaz moving to third) to boost their defense? — Stephen S., Tulsa, Okla.
Right now, the Cardinals are more concerned with upgrading their outfield defense, as general manager John Mozeliak believes the infield defense will improve more organically. Moving Carpenter to first base makes sense from a defense standpoint, as he did not profile as an above-average defender at second or third.
The Cardinals are gambling a bit with their expectation that Diaz will be an improved defender at short with a year of experience under his belt. …
