Cardinals President John Mozeliak Makes Tough Trades to Protect Future of Franchise
St. Louis, MO – In a move that left him feeling tortured, St. Louis Cardinals team president John Mozeliak made the difficult decision to trade away key players in order to protect the franchise from potential free-agent defections and to bolster the team’s farm system with talented up-and-coming pitchers.
On Sunday, following the Cardinals’ 3-0 win over the Cubs, Mozeliak emphasized that the trades involving closer Jordan Hicks, left-handed starter Jordan Montgomery, and right-handed reliever Chris Stratton were just the beginning of a potential overhaul for the team. The Cardinals have fallen short of expectations this season, but Mozeliak believes they have the potential to compete for the playoffs again as early as 2024. The team is now considering trading pending free agent Jack Flaherty and players in the crowded outfield ahead of Tuesday’s Trade Deadline.
Mozeliak acknowledged that breaking up the current club and focusing on the future was not the outcome they had hoped for, but it was a necessary step considering the team’s performance this year. He expressed excitement about the prospects and MLB-ready pitcher they acquired in the trades, stating, “We certainly are excited about the future [players] we were able to acquire today.”
In exchange for Montgomery and Stratton, the Cardinals acquired right-handed pitcher Tekoah Roby, infielder Thomas Saggese, and left-handed pitcher John King from the Rangers. Roby, ranked as the No. 11 prospect in the Rangers’ system, has become the Cardinals’ No. 4-ranked prospect. Despite suffering a shoulder injury, Roby is expected to join the team’s rehab program and potentially pitch competitively this season.
Saggese, an infielder with positional versatility, is now ranked No. 8 in the Cardinals’ system. The Cardinals also acquired right-handed pitchers Sem Robberse and Adam Kloffenstein from the Blue Jays in exchange for Hicks. Robberse, a highly regarded prospect from the Netherlands, is now ranked No. 6 in the Cardinals’ system. Kloffenstein, now ranked No. 23, has shown promise with Double-A New Hampshire.
While it was a difficult decision to trade away Hicks, Mozeliak expressed pride in his growth and performance as the team’s closer. Hicks had a rough start to the season but rebounded to become a reliable asset in the bullpen. The Cardinals hope that this won’t be the last time he wears their uniform.
Montgomery, who is set to become a free agent in the offseason, spoke fondly of his time with the Cardinals and expressed openness to the possibility of returning to the team in free agency. He praised the organization and emphasized the importance of maintaining positive relationships with the people he has grown close to in St. Louis.
Mozeliak’s trades reflect the Cardinals’ commitment to building a stronger future for the franchise. While it may be painful in the short term, the moves are aimed at positioning the team for success in the long run. Only time will tell if Mozeliak’s calculated risks pay off and lead the Cardinals back to playoff contention.