Baseball insider presents trading proposition involving Cardinals' prized rookie to rival team in significant deal
In a surprising turn of events, a trade proposal has been put forth by Jim Bowden, a former MLB executive and current writer for The Athletic. The proposed deal, which involves the St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers, Nolan Arenado, and Ryan Helsley, has sparked discussions within the baseball community.
The trade would see Arenado, a third baseman, and Helsley, a closer, move to the Tigers, with the Cardinals receiving infield prospect Kevin McGonigle in return. McGonigle, drafted 37th overall by the Tigers in the 2023 draft, is currently the 22nd-overall prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline.
The Cardinals' General Manager, John Mozeliak, faces a challenging decision at the trade deadline, and this proposed trade could provide a solution. Trading Arenado would open up playing time for Nolan Gorman, Alec Burleson, Thomas Saggese, and Jordan Walker, promising young talents in the Cardinals' farm system.
For the Tigers, the acquisition of Arenado and Helsley would significantly boost their capabilities, particularly at third base and in high-leverage relief situations. Helsley's strikeout rate has fallen this season, and batters are hitting .255 against him, but a move to a new team could potentially rejuvenate his performance.
However, the trade faces challenges. Arenado's no-trade clause and the potential financial implications for both teams could be stumbling blocks. The Cardinals may be willing to pay around $20 million of Arenado's remaining $52 million salary to make the trade viable.
McGonigle, primarily a shortstop but also adept at second base, has impressed this season in High-A, boasting a .394 batting average and a .479 on-base percentage. His good walk-to-strikeout ratio is a testament to his discipline at the plate.
Arenado's offensive numbers are below average this season, with a wRC+ of 98, but he has regained some of his power, with a .405 slugging percentage and a .154 ISO. Defensively, he ranks seventh among third basemen in defensive runs saved and third in Outs Above Average.
Despite the potential benefits, the proposed trade seems unlikely to happen, as Arenado and Helsley are unlikely to accept trades if the Cardinals are still in the Wild Card race. As we near the end of June, the Cardinals are still in the playoff hunt, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
This proposed trade offers an intriguing glimpse into the possibilities of the MLB's trade market, with potential implications for both the Cardinals and Tigers. Only time will tell if this trade becomes a reality.
The trade, if executed, would see Arenado and Helsley, currently with the Cardinals, join the Tigers, potentially boosting the Tigers' performance in baseball's MLB, particularly in third base and high-leverage relief situations. The Cardinals, in return, would receive infield prospect McGonigle, a promising talent in baseball who could provide solutions for General Manager John Mozeliak at the trade deadline. However, the trade faces challenges due to Arenado's no-trade clause and potential financial implications for both teams, making its reality uncertain.
