The St. Louis Cardinals fully embraced a rebuilding strategy this offseason. To strengthen their farm system and develop a younger core, the team traded four of their top veteran players. While this move is expected to help them become more competitive in the future, it leaves the current roster in a less exciting position.
Veterans Brendan Donovan, Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, and Nolan Arenado were all dealt to teams aiming to compete right away. These trades significantly improved the Cardinals’ farm system. However, the team may not be finished making moves.
There is also speculation that JoJo Romero could be traded in the coming weeks or months. The skilled reliever would likely attract interest from several teams. One possible destination is the New York Yankees, who are in need of another reliable high-leverage option for their bullpen, making Romero a logical trade target.
Here’s a mock trade that could make it happen:
The Yankees have two solid lefties in their bullpen already, but they’re more lefty specialists than anything.
Romero would be the high leverage lefty who could be utilized as the setup man in New York.
After losing players like Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, they need to make a big addition. Romero is the perfect target because he won’t require a blockbuster prospect return, but the talent is enough to make a deal worthwhile.
Why it works for the Cardinals
While losing Romero would be a crushing blow, it doesn’t impact the Cardinals long term future in a negative way. They’re not trying to win right now, so having a shutdown closer doesn’t mean as much as it does to a contending team.
Meanwhile, Kyle Carr would be a very welcomed addition to the farm system. Carr, the Yankees No. 11 prospect in MLB Pipeline’s top 30, was very dominant in his 22 starts at the High-A level last year. He surrendered 81 hits in 119 1/3 innings while holding a sub-2.00 ERA. The lefty struggled at the Double-A level, but his season as a whole was a huge success.
Brock Selvidge has been very consistent in his pro career. He hasn’t been crushed at any point, which is a good sign for having a high floor. He might not have the ceiling of an ace, but the lefty is a solid prospect with big league potential.
