1 player the St. Louis Cardinals should steal from each NL West team

Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after the third out of the fourth inning against Wilmer Flores #41 of the San Francisco Giants in game 5 of the National League Division Series at Oracle Park on October 14, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Julio Urias #7 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after the third out of the fourth inning against Wilmer Flores #41 of the San Francisco Giants in game 5 of the National League Division Series at Oracle Park on October 14, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 27: Joe Musgrove #44 of the San Diego Padres reacts to David Fletcher #22 of the Los Angeles Angels grounding out to end the eighth inning of a game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 27, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 27: Joe Musgrove #44 of the San Diego Padres reacts to David Fletcher #22 of the Los Angeles Angels grounding out to end the eighth inning of a game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 27, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

San Diego Padres:  Joe Musgrove

Joe Musgrove is in the final season before entering free agency. The 29-year-old right hander should have an impressive campaign and, if so, could become a trade chip before the trade deadline.

In his first season with the San Diego Padres, Musgrove was 11-9 in 32 games. He threw a career high 181.1 innings, striking out a career high 203 batters. He had two complete game shutouts.

Musgrove uses his curveball and sliders to put-away batters. He also relies on a four-seam fastball, a cutter, a sinker and a changeup. About 43.5% of his pitches induce ground balls. The reliance on offspeed pitches allows for the pitcher to lean on the defense behind him.

Musgrove would be a fun addition to the Cardinals pitching staff. While the need may seem necessary with injuries, a pitcher like Musgrove probably wouldn’t be available until around the trade deadline … if it all!