Why the St. Louis Cardinals Won the Harrison Bader Trade

The St. Louis Cardinals made a surprising move, trading Harrison Bader for starter Jordan Montgomery. This deal was a win for the Redbirds.

The St. Louis Cardinals were active at the MLB trade deadline, acquiring multiple arms to bolster their rotation, bullpen, and pitching depth as a whole. Although the club missed out on Juan Soto, they are clearly a better team today then they were yesterday, and St. Louis should be the clear favorites for the NL Central title.

After adding Jose Quintana, Chris Stratton, and JoJo Romero, the Cardinals appeared to be done making moves, until at the very last moment, they club brough in left handed starter Jordan Montgomery from the New York Yankees for Gold Glove centerfielder Harrison Bader.

Most of Cardinals Nation was glad to add another arm, but dumbfounded that it cost them Bader. The centerfielder was a fan favorite among many in St. Louis, and has proven to be a valuable piece to their team due to his elite defense, base running, and energy that he brought to the clubhouse.

Beyond the initial shock of the trade and and any emotional connections that fans may have with the 28-year old, it has been a reality for awhile that Bader’s time with St. Louis was nearing its end, whether at this trade deadline or after the 2023 season.

I actually suggested a Bader deal with the New York Yankees for MLB-ready pitching two weeks ago, and the Cardinals saw a similar opening. The combination of the teams surplus of outfield talent, and their need for starting pitching, and Bader’s impending free agency all made the Gold Glover expendable.

Here is why St. Louis should feel like winners in the Harrison Bader trade.