Could the St. Louis Cardinals trade for Brad Hand?

The left-handed side of the Cardinals bullpen could be approaching disaster. Why not address it by pursuing Brad Hand at the Trade Deadline?

While the the bullpen of the St. Louis Cardinals has generally been an effective tool for manager Mike Shildt thus far this season, the left-handed side is becoming a concern.  Tyler Webb is struggling, Andrew Miller has been his usual inconsistent self and is now on the IL, leaving only Genesis Cabrera as Shildt’s only reliable option.

Beyond those three, the only other option on the 40-man roster is Bernardo Flores, Jr, who the Cardinals picked up off waivers from the Chicago White Sox on April 1st, mainly as an organizational depth move. Flores has only three games experience in the major league and holds a 13.50 ERA. The 25-year old  is currently at AAA Memphis.

The Cardinals top prospect, left-hander Matthew Liberatore, is also currently at Memphis. The 21-year-old, however, is expected to remain in Memphis at least until roster expansion in September.

With Webb currently holding a 11.81 ERA and Miller a 8.59 ERA, why not go bold and get Cabrera some help by pursuing Washington’s Brad Hand at the July 30th Trade Deadline?

Who is Brad Hand?

Brad Hand is a 31-year old left-handed closer with the Washington Nationals. Hand’s early career saw him used as a starter and long reliever. However, when he was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres in 2016, he was moved to the back end of the bullpen, pitching primarily in the seventh and eighth innings.

The Padres confidence in Hand grew and he was moved into the closer’s role in July of 2017 and saved 21 games. From that point on, Hand became one of baseball’s top closers, saving 32 games with San Diego and Cleveland in 2018, 34 games with the Indians in 2019, and led the American League with 16 saves in 2020 while still in Cleveland.

After the Indians declined Hand’s option for 2021, the 6-3, 224lb Minnesota native signed a one-year $10.5 million contract with the Washington Nationals. In 12 games and 12.1 innings with the Nationals, Hand has a 2.92 ERA with 3 saves.

It should be pointed out that Hand has struggled in the month of May. After posting a 0.00 ERA in 8 games and nine innings in April, he has 10.80 ERA in just 3.1 innings in May.

As a reliever, Hand has a 2.95 ERA and as a closer, he has a 3.08 ERA. He is a two-time All Star and was twice the NL Reliever of the Month.

What Role would Brad Hand play in the Cardinal Bullpen?

Alex Reyes seems to have laid claim to the Cardinal Closer role. He has an 0.45 ERA,11 saves in 18 games and 20 innings. Removing Reyes from his role would be an unlikely move by the Cardinals.

Hand’s role would best be served as a 7th or 8th inning option, or as a closer when Reyes is unavailable.  Furthermore, a tag team of Brad Hand and Genesis Cabrera could give the St. Louis Cardinals one of the best left handed duos they have seen since the days of Steve Klein and Ray King.

Additionally, his vast experience in the bullpen and as a closer would only make the Cardinal bullpen more flexible as they make a push for the post season.

What’s the next move?

The Washington Nationals are struggling in last place in a division where the Mets, Phillies, and Braves are all expected to be stronger. This makes trade deadline moves by the Nationals all the more likely. Hand’s one year contract would be affordable for most teams looking for bullpen help down the stretch.

Historically, making a move at the deadline to improve the bullpen is not unusual for Mozeliak. What the Cardinals would have to give up for Brad Hand would entirely depend on the Nationals needs beyond 2021. The Cardinals have right -anded pitching depth and may be willing to move an outfielder.

The question for the Cardinals would be, can they wait until the deadline to make a move? As I stated earlier, if Andrew Miller and Tyler Webb continue to struggle, the left-handed side of the bullpen could end up being a disaster. Therefore, the Cardinals may not have the luxury to wait until July 30. A move could come sooner.