Cardinals: How rumored trade targets have played since trade deadline

Frankie Montas

The Oakland Athletics had a fire sale during the 2021-2022 offseason, and many expected them to move on from Frankie Montas at some point during the 2022 season. The Cardinals were often mentioned as a strong fit for the right-hander, but he was eventually dealt to the New York Yankees in a deal that included three of the Yankees top 10 prospects. 

Montas has been bad so far for the Yankees, going 1-3 with a 5.94 ERA across 36.1 innings of work. Like Soto, Montas joined the Yankees as they began a downward spiral this last month, but his performance has not helped them turn things around. Montas was one of the top starters available at the deadline and supposed to put a team in prime World Series contention, but has been nowhere near that standard.

The irony here is that St. Louis, because of the Montas trade, were able to acquire Montgomery from the Yankees, who has been brilliant for the Cardinals. Since the deadline, Montgomery is 5-0 with a 1.45 ERA in 43.1 innings of work, outclassing Montas in almost every way. So much for being the expendable starter on the Yankees’ staff.