Cardinals: 5 teams that should trade for Harrison Bader

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 05: Harrison Bader #48 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on from the on-deck circle against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the second inning at Oracle Park on May 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 05: Harrison Bader #48 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on from the on-deck circle against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the second inning at Oracle Park on May 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
5 of 6
CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 03: Harrison Bader #48 of the St. Louis Cardinals warms up before a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on June 03, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 03: Harrison Bader #48 of the St. Louis Cardinals warms up before a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on June 03, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Houston Astros

The Houston Astros are putting pressure on the New York Yankees as the summer progresses as the other favorite to represent the American League in the World Series. The club has two major holes, one at catcher and one in centerfield. But with the recent promotion of top prospect Korey Lee at catcher, the club may look harder at center field.

The Cardinals would love to get their hands on the likes of Jose Urquidy, Christian Javier, Luis Garcia, or even Jake Odorizzi to provide impact innings for their rotation this year. The clubs really appear to be great destinations for one another in the event of a swap, and could propel both clubs to serious contention in their perspective leagues.

Bader would provide the energy and above average offense that would make Houston’s lineup that much scarier up and down the order. The Astros also have one of the best defenses in baseball, so acquiring Bader could make their already elite pitching even better.

If St. Louis grabbed one of those arms, it would take significant pressure off of their lineup and bullpen, and give them a legit shot at not only the division crown, but making some noise come October.

Schedule