4 potential blockbuster trades for the St. Louis Cardinals

Jose Ramirez

Cardinals Receive: INF Jose Ramirez 

Guardians Receive: SS Paul Dejong, 3B Jordan Walker (#2 prospect), LHP Zach Thompson (#6 prospect), OF Alec Burleson (#14 prospect)

Starting out with a bang here, Guardians INF Jose Ramirez is one of the hottest names on the market right now. Cleveland is in no rush to move him, but given the right package, the team would be willing to move him.

This would be a huge swing for the Cardinals, but it can be argued that the club would be World Series contenders if they made the deal. Jose Ramirez batted .266/.355/.538 with 32 HRs, 32 doubles, 103 RBIs, and 27 SB across 152 games. As a switch hitter, Ramirez brings power from both sides of the plate and another elite hitter to an already strong lineup. He can step in at second base and allow Edman to shift to shortstop, and could give the club this potential line:

2B Jose Ramirez

1B Paul Goldschmidt

LF Tyler O’Neill

3B Nolan Arenado

RF Dylan Carlson

DH Nolan Gorman/Juan Yepez

CF Harrison Bader

C Yadier Molina

SS Tommy Edman

Jose Ramirez is under team control for $12 million and $14 million the next two seasons, and provides flexibility, being able to play any of the four infield positions.

This trade comes at a price though, as the Cardinals would part ways with rising prospect Jordan Walker, who at this rate will be at top 10 prospect in baseball by years end. Paul Dejong gives the Guardians a solid shortstop to compete with or to deal for additional prospects later. Guys like Zack Thompson and Alec Burleson gives Cleveland other future quality big leaguers to accelerate their rebuild.