Red-hot outfielder to be acquired by the Cardinals to bolster the lineup Might the Cardinals try to boost offensive in another way?
Before the 2024 Major League Baseball trade deadline, the St. Louis Cardinals have already acquired one outfield player, but they might not be done. In a three-team blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox that also included starter Erick Fedde, St. Louis was reunited with veteran outfielder Tommy Pham. With the trade of Tommy Edman, the Cardinals were able to quickly address two critical roster gaps. The Cardinals could use a bit more punch in the lineup, especially from a left-handed hitter, and there is still space for improvement. As a result, Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report projected that the Cardinals would trade for veteran outfielder Kevin Pillar from the Los Angeles Angels.
“(Outfielder) Kevin Pillar from Los Angeles Angels to St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals rank 29th in the majors with a .633 OPS against left-handed pitching,” Reuter said. “Pillar is hitting .375/.416/.625 with 11 extra-base hits in 77 plate appearances against southpaws, and he can handle all three outfield spots as a veteran bench piece. Even after the Tommy Pham addition, he could be a fit.”
The Cardinals already have added to the outfield, but Pillar still could be a cheap option to help against lefties. Overall this season he is slashing .287/.343/.481 with seven home runs and 32 RBIs. The Cardinals have a real chance to make the playoffs and could use all of the help they can get at this point. If St. Louis wants to make a move, though, it will have to act fast.