Title: Cardinals Make Strategic Moves at Trade Deadline, Acquire Promising Prospects
Subtitle: In a surprising turn of events, the St. Louis Cardinals part ways with left-hander Jordan Montgomery and right-hander Jordan Hicks, strengthening their prospect pool with two trades.
Date: [Insert Date]
The St. Louis Cardinals made headlines on Sunday as they initiated their selling process ahead of the trade deadline. The team, which rarely finds itself in the position of being a seller, executed two significant trades that could have a lasting impact on their future success.
In the first trade, the Cardinals sent left-hander Jordan Montgomery to the Texas Rangers. Montgomery, who has been one of the most sought-after starting pitchers on the market, netted the Cardinals two highly-regarded prospects and a big-league reliever. This transaction represents a significant move for a team in need of replenishing their farm system.
Ranked 17th among all MLB starters and third among left-handed pitchers in fWAR this year, Montgomery brings a solid repertoire consisting of a 55 sinker and an effective changeup. While he may be prone to allowing home runs, he compensates with low walk rates and a respectable number of strikeouts. His performance makes him a valuable asset for the Rangers, especially considering the alternatives available on the market.
One of the prospects acquired by the Cardinals, Thomas Saggese, has exhibited tremendous growth at the plate this year. The 21-year-old infielder boasts an impressive .314/.380/.514 line for Double-A Frisco and has already matched his career-high in home runs. Capable of playing both second and third base, Saggese’s aggressive approach at the plate has yielded positive results. He projects as a solid regular player with the potential to develop into a 4-WAR asset during his peak years.
Tekoah Roby, the other prospect acquired by the Cardinals, was on track to become the Rangers’ top pitching prospect until a shoulder injury sidelined him in early June. Roby was known for his impressive 92-96 mph fastball, accompanied by a plus changeup and a 50/55 slider. Although control remains his primary focus, the right-hander’s injury history has led to some uncertainty. However, he is expected to make a return before the end of August and could potentially develop into a No. 2 starter.
Additionally, the Cardinals received left-handed reliever John King as part of the trade package. King, who has already showcased his skills in the major leagues, adds depth to the Cardinals’ bullpen.
In another move, the Cardinals traded right-hander Jordan Hicks to the Toronto Blue Jays. Hicks, who has battled injuries in the past, possesses an impressive sinker and slider but struggles with control. Toronto, specifically in light of closer Jordan Romano’s recent injury, sought Hicks as a valuable asset in their right-handed relief corps. The Cardinals secured promising prospects in return for Hicks, further bolstering their farm system.
Sem Robberse, the more highly regarded prospect in the trade, shows promise as a back-end starting pitcher. However, his disappointed 2023 season has cast some doubt on his progression. While the young right-hander still needs to work on his fastball, which has been exploited by opposing hitters, his secondary pitches show potential. With room to grow, Robberse may evolve into a mid-rotation starter, although he may serve as a temporary emergency call-up.
Adam Kloffenstein, the second prospect acquired in the trade, has shown improvement this year. Although his overall stuff remains average, his slider has developed into a solid-average pitch. However, his below-average command and lack of an effective changeup may limit his potential as a starter. It is more likely that he will find success as a reliever or as a player who moves between the major and minor leagues.
While the Cardinals may have relinquished Montgomery and Hicks, they have gained significant assets to strengthen their prospect pool. These strategic moves demonstrate the team’s commitment to building for the future while ensuring a competitive performance in the present.
With the trade deadline approaching, only time will tell if the Cardinals’ acquisitions will transform into key contributors or serve as trade assets in the future. Whatever the outcome, these trades mark a significant shift in the Cardinals’ approach, and fans eagerly await the development of their new prospects.
(Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images)