It might be a good move for the St. Louis Cardinals to go after pitching to improve their playoff chances. And a recent sweep has them thinking big. But a big offensive deal might be best, and here is the Cardinals’ perfect trade offer for the Nationals’ CJ Abrams.
Heading into Tuesday’s slate of games, the Cardinals stood at 35-26. That left them 5.5 games behind the first-place Brewers. But just as importantly, the Cardinals held the top Wild Card spot.
The Cardinals have been middle of the pack from a hitting standpoint. They ranked No. 14 in batting average and No. 16 in home runs.
How would SS CJ Abrams help the Cardinals?
First, it’s his ability to put up big numbers. Second, it’s Abrams’ contract status. He simply offers the whole package, according to MLB.com.
“Abrams was a topic of trade buzz during the offseason, and his All-Star-caliber performance has heightened his trade value,” Jessica Camerato wrote. “Abrams, 25, has an enticing contract situation. He is arbitration eligible for two more seasons after this year. Among National League shortstops, Abrams entered Sunday ranked first in home runs, RBIs, wRC+, wOBA, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.”
The Cardinals are currently leaning on Masyn Winn at shortstop. His WAR is 1.1. An upgrade to Abrams would bring a 2.6 WAR.
Plus, Abrams has been an RBI machine this season with 51 total. He also has 14 homers and 10 stolen bases.
Plus, he offers surprising leadership for a 25-year-old player, according to The Athletic. He’s helping a young team grow with the Nationals.
“It comes naturally,” Abrams said. “You’ve got to lead by example. Anything they need, anything I need. We got each other’s back. We’re all learning together here, day by day. We’re getting better.
It’s just fun.”
Teammate Jacob Young added, “He’s not going to rah-rah you to death, but he will show you what he sees. What he is looking for in a pitcher, for instance. (And) what he feels. What he sees in your swing in the cages. Whatever he can, in a manner that is comfortable, to help his teammates win.”
So there’s little doubt of the value Abrams would bring to the Cardinals.
What would the Cardinals’ perfect offer be?
After reading the aforementioned things about Abrams and knowing he could be a star for years to come, the Cardinals know a great trade offer will be a steep price to pay.
And it starts at the top of their farm system. Liam Doyle, a left-handed pitcher, would have to be part of the package. He is a fiery brand, according to MLB.com.
“The 6-foot-2 southpaw comes with a lot of intensity on the mound,” MLB.com wrote. “He credits having a chip on his shoulder as a northeasterner from New Hampshire, and his delivery is both high-tempo and high-energy. He gets down the mound to generate a low release height but blows his 95-97 mph four-seamer (touching 100) past and typically above bats.
“A natural pronator, Doyle will have to work to find a set of breaking balls that can fool pro hitters. Some evaluators see him as a future high-octane closer, while others believe the current ingredients are too good to keep him away from starting, noting that Max Scherzer also came with concerns about his high level of intent.”
That’s enough for a centerpiece for this major trade.
Adding an infielder back to the Nationals, the Cardinals would include versatile Ryan Mitchell. He might stick in the outfield, but there’s still potential for becoming a major-league shortstop. He is a pure hitter, according to MLB.com
“Some evaluators believe the left-handed-hitting Mitchell possesses one of the best pure hit tools among prep bats in the 2025 class,” MLB.com wrote. “Starting with his hands held high, he coils like a spring to generate a quick stroke without much movement from his head. His strike-zone judgment was impressive as an amateur. There’s room to add strength in his 6-foot-2 frame, too, and he could get to average pop by the time he reaches the Majors.
“Mitchell will flash plus speed, but scouts questioned whether he could stick at shortstop long term with average range and arm strength. The Cardinals announced him as a center fielder on Draft Day and intend to cycle him between the grass and dirt.”
The final piece of the trade puzzle is a catcher. The Cardinals have three good ones, so they can afford to add one to this deal. They would likely choose Jimmy Crooks. His defense sets him apart, according to MLB.com.
“He has a wide base but moves well laterally,” MLB.com wrote. “And his framing should be at least above-average in the Majors. He can get out balls quickly and efficiently, showing pop times that can even run close to only 1.7 seconds, and he’s consistently hovered around a 30 percent caught-stealing rate in the Minors.
“Crooks’ exit velocities ran comfortably above-average in Triple-A … pushing him to a career-high 14 homers before his move to The Show. He’s likely a glove-first backstop.”
This would be a big deal. But if the Cardinals have any realistic hope of not just making the playoffs but being loud when they get there, they must improve their offense overall.
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