Cardinals Targeted for Rising Starting Pitcher

Cardinals eyeing Rays’ Taj Bradley to Bolster Starting Rotation

Breaking News: With their starting rotation showing important cracks, the St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly exploring a trade for Tampa Bay rays’ right-hander Taj Bradley. The 24-year-old hurler, under team control through 2030, coudl provide a much-needed spark as the cardinals aim for an October push.

Bradley, despite a statistically subpar season thus far, boasts a track record of striking out over 10 batters per nine innings in his last two campaigns. His notable 47.7 ground ball percentage, according to recent data, could also see a significant advancement when coupled with the Cardinals’ infield defense. This statistical potential makes him an attractive target for a St. Louis team struggling with consistency from pitchers like Erick Fedde and Miles Mikolas.

While the Rays are reportedly hesitant to move Bradley, the impending return of Shane McClanahan and the depth of their starting pitching could create an opportunity. if Tampa Bay looks to streamline its roster, notably by addressing minor league logjams, Bradley could become a viable trade chip.

The Cardinals have a critical two-week window to assess their roster and determine their willingness to part with future assets for a starting pitcher who could elevate their playoff aspirations. Bradley represents a potential long-term solution, offering both immediate impact and future stability.

---

Evergreen Insight: Acquiring a young, controllable pitcher with high strikeout potential is a classic strategy for teams looking to contend both in the present and the future. While statistics can fluctuate from year to year, a pitcher’s ability to miss bats and induce ground balls are often considered foundational skills that can be refined. For teams like the Cardinals, who have a strong infield defense, a pitcher who generates weak contact and ground balls can see their underlying metrics, and ultimately their win-loss record, improve substantially. the challenge often lies in finding the right trade partner and assessing the overall cost, balancing immediate needs with the long-term implications of depleting a farm system.

What specific underlying metrics beyond ERA are the Cardinals using to evaluate Ken Waldichuk’s potential for betterment?

Identifying Potential Trade Targets

The St.Louis Cardinals, currently navigating a competitive NL Central, are reportedly focusing on bolstering their starting rotation. Several rising pitchers are drawing notable attention from the Cardinals’ front office, with a clear emphasis on acquiring controllable pitching assets.This isn’t a surprise, given the team’s recent struggles with consistent starting pitching depth. Key names circulating in trade rumors include pitchers from the Oakland Athletics, Colorado Rockies, and Kansas City royals – teams likely to be sellers at the trade deadline.

Here’s a breakdown of potential targets, categorized by their current team and projected cost:

Oakland Athletics: Focusing on rebuilding, the A’s possess several young arms. Specifically, Ken Waldichuk is generating buzz. While his ERA isn’t stellar (4.24 as of july 10, 2025), his underlying metrics suggest potential for improvement. He offers left-handed pitching, a valuable commodity.

Colorado Rockies: The Rockies, consistently challenged by coors Field, have a few pitchers who might benefit from a change of scenery. Peter Lambert is a name to watch. He’s shown flashes of brilliance but needs a more stable environment.

Kansas City Royals: The Royals are undergoing a similar rebuild to Oakland.Alec Marsh is a potential target, offering a power arm with developing command.

Evaluating Pitcher Profiles: Key Stats & scouting Reports

When assessing these potential acquisitions, the Cardinals are likely prioritizing a combination of factors.Traditional stats like ERA and WHIP are vital, but modern baseball analytics play a crucial role.

Here’s what the Cardinals’ scouting department is highly likely scrutinizing:

Velocity & Movement: Average fastball velocity, spin rate, and pitch movement are critical indicators of a pitcher’s potential. High velocity combined with deceptive movement makes a pitcher considerably more valuable.

Control & Command: Walk rate (BB/9) and strikeout rate (K/9) are key metrics. A pitcher who can consistently throw strikes and generate strikeouts is highly sought after.

xERA & FIP: Expected ERA (xERA) and Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) provide a more accurate assessment of a pitcher’s performance by removing the influence of defense.

Pitch Mix: A diverse pitch mix – fastball, curveball, slider, changeup – keeps hitters off balance. The effectiveness of each pitch is also evaluated.

Durability & Injury History: A pitcher’s ability to stay healthy and consistently make starts is paramount. A history of injuries is a significant red flag.

Cardinals’ Farm System: Trade Assets

To acquire a promising starting pitcher, the Cardinals will likely need to part with some of their top prospects. Their farm system, while not ranked among the elite, has several players who could entice other teams.

Potential trade pieces include:

1. Tommy Edman (Utility): A versatile player with proven MLB experience. His ability to play multiple positions makes him a valuable asset.
2. Ivan Herrera (Catcher): A highly-regarded catching prospect with a strong arm and developing offensive skills.
3. Zack Showalter (Right-Handed Pitcher): A rising pitching prospect with a promising fastball and developing secondary pitches.
4. Junior Fernandez (Relief Pitcher): A hard-throwing reliever with closing potential.

The Cardinals will need to carefully weigh the value of these prospects against the potential upside of each pitching target. A package centered around Herrera or Showalter is more likely to land a higher-caliber pitcher.

Impact of a Starting Pitcher Acquisition on the Cardinals’ Playoff chances

Adding a reliable starting pitcher could significantly improve the Cardinals’ chances of contending for a playoff berth. A stronger rotation would alleviate pressure on the bullpen and provide more consistent performances.

Reduced Bullpen Strain: A quality starter can pitch deeper into games, reducing the workload on relievers.

Increased Win probability: A strong starting pitcher increases the team’s win probability in each game.

* Improved Playoff Positioning: A more consistent rotation can help the Cardinals secure a better playoff seed.

Recent Cardinals Trade history & Lessons Learned

Looking back at the cardinals’ recent trade history provides valuable insights. The acquisition of Sonny Gray in 2023, while ultimately not a long-term solution, demonstrated the team’s willingness to add veteran pitching. However, the trade for Jose Quintana in 2022 proved less accomplished, highlighting the importance of thorough scouting and due diligence. The key takeaway is that the Cardinals need to target pitchers with sustainable skills and avoid overpaying for short-term rentals. Focusing on pitchers with remaining contract control is crucial for long-term success.

Understanding Pitching Development & Projections

Beyond immediate impact, the Cardinals are also considering the long-term development potential of each target.