So it looks like the New York Mets are going to be sellers. And guess what?
Everyone is on the table.
That’s right. Everyone
MLB Trade Rumors on Twitter
Mets Will Listen To Trade Offers For deGrom, Syndergaard https://t.co/DhwgLiDEie
That means two of the best young pitchers in baseball could be on the move in the form of Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard. Should the Cardinals be a part of the sweepstakes?
I think so.
The rotation for the Cardinals is arguably the best part of the team thus far. Their team ERA from starting pitchers is 2nd in the Major Leagues at 3.36 behind only Houston with a 2.92. They have gotten great production from guys like Mikolas, Wacha, and Flaherty for the majority of the season. Mikolas is looking like an All-Star, while Flaherty is making noise as a Rookie of the Year candidate. C-Mart has been up and down this season showing signs of being a true ace while also struggling mightily. Luke Weaver is having a bit of a sophomore slump this season and Wacha is currently on the DL for at least a few more weeks.
Jenifer Langosch on Twitter
stlcards GM Girsch said Michael Wacha’s oblique strain is “more moderate than mild.” Wacha won’t return until after the All-Star break.
While John Gant has filled in admirably in Wacha’s absence, he is no Jacob deGrom or Noah Syndergaard. I personally think Gant has been underrated and the numbers indicate he has had a bit of bad luck behind him, but both deGrom and Syndergaard would be massive upgrades.
Let’s take a look at what both men have done so far this season.
deGrom: 5-3 | 1.69 ERA | 16 starts | 101.1 IP | 1.01 WHIP | 126 Ks | 2.14 FIP |
Syndergaard: 4-1 | 3.06 ERA | 11 starts | 64.2 IP | 1.18 WHIP | 76 Ks | 2.54 FIP |
Syndergaard has dealt with injuries this season but when he is healthy he has been very good. deGrom is pushing for a Cy Young this season pitching to the likes of Max Scherzer while not getting as many decisions in his favor. If you compare them to our current rotation below, you’ll see that they would fit nicely.
Martínez: 4-4 | 3.22 ERA | 13 starts | 72.2 IP | 1.43 WHIP | 73 Ks | 3.81 FIP |
Wacha: 8-2 | 3.20 ERA | 15 starts | 84.1 IP | 1.23 WHIP | 71 Ks | 4.15 FIP |
Mikolas: 8-2 | 2.69 ERA | 15 starts | 97.0 IP | 0.97 WHIP | 71 Ks | 3.20 FIP |
Weaver: 4-6 | 4.59 ERA | 16 starts | 84.1 IP | 1.39 WHIP | 77 Ks | 4.02 FIP |
Flaherty: 3-3 | 2.92 ERA | 11 starts | 61.2 IP | 1.07 WHIP | 73 Ks | 3.74 FIP |
As you can see, nobody really jumps off the page except maybe Mikolas. He has a low WHIP because he limits baserunners via walk and also limits runs and eats innings up. His FIP is similar to his ERA and is solid at a 3.20. Weaver has a lower FIP than ERA which is encouraging but you still want both a little lower. Wacha was having an All-Star worthy season until a couple of late rough outings. Carlos needs to work out some kinks with his command because he is allowing far too many runners to reach on walks.
This rotation has been pretty good. Not great but better than many expected. But a true #1 would be in order if the Cardinals were to go after either deGrom or Syndergaard.
Mark Feinsand on Twitter
Market watch: 10 players whose trade stock is on the rise https://t.co/QelFhUEWTz
If you take a look at what Mark Feinsand wrote about potential trade partners throughout the league, he lists the Cardinals as a potential suitor for deGrom. It makes more sense to me than to go after a big bat especially since the top guys will be rentals.
This is a deal that I can justify giving up some top prospects because both pitchers will be under team control longer and because the upside is definitely there. What do you guys think? Join the conversation on Facebook as well as on my Twitter Poll below!
Aaron Mullins on Twitter
Should the Cardinals trade for Noah Syndergaard or Jacob deGrom? I think both of these guys could bolster an already strong rotation #STLCards @ballparkbeef @11InningStretch @CrashStL @C70 @birdsonabatshow @CardsNation247 @ArchCityMedia @therealseanbain @Graham_Stl
Thanks for reading.
Aaron M.
Follow me on Twitter – @AaronArchCity
New episode of the @SuspectsMusial podcast is available. Check it out below!
The Musial Suspects S1 E8
In this episode, Aaron takes a quiz, Pedro Martinez makes a fool of himself, Brad Laughs, and the Musial Suspects take a look at the Matheny Dilemma, discuss the lowest point of the season, and look at trade options.
