St. Louis Cardinals: 10 top moments from 2022 regular season

5. Trade deadline acquisitions come up huge for the Cardinals down the stretch

John Mozeliak, Cardinals president of baseball operations, turned some heads when he decided to trade popular Gold Glove centerfielder Harrison Bader to the New York Yankees for Jordan Montgomery.

After his first few starts, fans were over their shock and just appreciative of the stability their new lefty arm brought to a struggling starting rotation. Montgomery was complimentary of legendary Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina for helping him and Molina’s backup Andrew Knizner.

Montgomery threw in 11 games for the Cardinals, going 6-3 with a 3.11 ERA. He had one complete game shutout for the Cardinals. He tossed 63.2 innings and struck out 61 batters.

Montgomery will fit into the Cardinals’ postseason plans and will surely be a signature piece of the Cardinals’ rotation for years to come. This was a winning move for Mo.

Jose Quintana and Chris Stratton came to the Cardinals from the Pittsburgh Pirates for Johan Oviedo. Quintana and Stratton have each had big moments for the Cardinals.

Quintana had 12 starts for the Cardinals amassing a 3-2 record with a 2.01 ERA. He threw 62.2 innings and struck out 48 batters. Quintana should have a role in the Cardinals’ postseason plans. He will be fun to watch perform.

Appearing in 20 games for the Cardinals, Stratton had a record of 5-0 with a 2.78 ERA. He tossed 22.2 innings and struck out 23 batters. Impressive numbers. In the postseason, Stratton looks to have an essential role out of the Cardinals’ bullpen.