The St. Louis Cardinals have cooled off in recent weeks, slipping out of a playoff position, but their postseason hopes remain very much alive. With the National League race still tightly packed, St. Louis remains within striking distance and could look to strengthen its roster before the trade deadline.
One area that stands out is the starting rotation, which has struggled to provide consistency. As the August 3 deadline draws closer, adding another reliable arm could become the organization’s top priority.
In an ESPN breakdown of ideal trade matches for contenders, Jeff Passan identified San Francisco Giants left-hander and former Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray as the best fit for the Cardinals.
“They’ve reengaged a fanbase that had grown weary. They’ve developed an enviable core of JJ Wetherholt, Jordan Walker, Ivan Herrera and Alec Burleson,” Passan wrote. “Their rotation, however, remains a real question mark — and is putting a huge onus on a bullpen that might just tire out by the time September rolls around.”
Robbie Ray Could Give Cardinals Rotation Needed Stability
Ray has quietly put together a productive campaign for the Giants, posting an 8-6 record across 17 starts and one relief appearance while recording a 3.45 ERA over 101 2/3 innings. With San Francisco expected to be among the sellers at the trade deadline, veterans on expiring contracts are widely viewed as potential trade candidates.
The Cardinals, however, have not yet committed to buying or selling. Their recent stretch of inconsistent play has created uncertainty about the direction they will take.
If they ultimately decide to pursue a postseason push, Ray could provide exactly what they need. The veteran left-hander has proven capable of handling a heavy workload while bringing valuable experience to a rotation and clubhouse filled with emerging young talent.
St. Louis has received encouraging production from its youthful core, but adding an accomplished veteran could strengthen the club’s chances of returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
One obstacle to a deal, however, is the organization’s stated trade philosophy. Owner and chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. has previously indicated the Cardinals are not interested in acquiring rental players at the deadline, and Ray is set to become a free agent after the season.
Because of that stance, the front office may instead prioritize players who come with multiple years of team control and better align with the franchise’s long-term plans.
With only a few weeks remaining before the August 3 deadline, all eyes will be on president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. The Cardinals’ performance during this stretch could determine whether they become buyers, sellers, or take a more measured approach as the deadline arrives.