Cardinals: St. Louis listed as potential destination for these 3 stars

Wander Franco

The Tampa Bay Rays shocked the baseball world when they signed shortstop Wander Franco to an 11-year, $182 million extension, with options and incentives that could rise to $223 million. In typical Rays fashion though, they may have locked him in knowing that they may trade him at some point.

It is easy to see why the Rays would lock Franco into such a deal. The 21-year old took the league by storm in his rookie season in 2021, slashing .288/.347/.463 with 7 HR and 39 RBI in just 70 games. Franco posses an 80-grade hit tool, the best possible grade in scouting, and looks to be an elite lead-off hitter or middle of the order bat for years to come.

Franco has been plagued by injuries this season, playing in just 69 games to this point. While his numbers are down this season, is it likely just a case of a second year player getting used to the adjustments teams have made on him and being held down by injuries.

If the Cardinals were to acquire Franco, they would have their shortstop of the future locked in for at least the next 10 years, one that will find his name in All-Star conversation and perhaps more for the duration of that tenure. Franco also plays good defense at shortstop, giving St. Louis the perfect long-term answer at the position.

Trading for Franco likely means parting with Masyn Winn, one of the club’s top prospects who looks to get an opportunity at shortstop in the next few years, and possesses one of the best arms in the game. Franco will not command the kind of prospect package that Soto would have this season, and is also locked into a long-term deal at a premier position, making him an awesome trade target.

Will the Rays deal him? That remains to be seen. Would St. Louis want to give up prospects rather than wait on Maysn Winn? That would be a tough decision for the club. Either way, Franco would make for a great addition to the Cardinals lineup and fault them into World Series contention.