Grading reader submitted trade proposals for the Cardinals

Cardinals go after one of Miami’s starting pitchers

Trade #1

Submitted by @NathanAbert

Cardinals receive: RHP Pablo Lopez

Marlins receive: 2B/3B Nolan Gorman and LHP Mathew Liberatore 

Grade: B+

If the Cardinals want to go out and get a front-line starter this off-season, calling the Miami Marlins about Pablo Lopez would be a great place to start.

In 2022, Lopez went 10-10 with a 3.75 ERA and 161 SO in 160 innings of work. Lopez was dominant in the first half of the season, but after passing his career high in innings, began to tail off as Miami was falling out of the race. Building up endurance in his arm and playing for a contender will likely keep Lopez on his A-game late into the season.

It is unclear what exactly Miami would want back for Lopez. They have indicated a desire for a center fielder in the past, so a guy like Dylan Carlson, Tyler O’Neill, or Lars Nootbaar could be an interesting centerpiece to this deal.

I am sure the Marlins would have a lot of interest in Nolan Gorman though, and he could be the third baseman of the future with Jazz Chisholm already at second base. Matthew Liberatore is a solid second piece in this deal, but they would likely need one more prospect to pull the trigger on a deal like this.

Overall, I like the value of this deal. I personally would hold onto Gorman unless it was for a catcher, or a top tier stater, but cashing him in for Lopez is understandable.

Trade #2

Submitted by @bobwalpert1

Cardinals receive: RHP Pablo Lopez and LHP Andrew Nardi

Marlins receive: OF Lars Nootbaar and OF Moises Gomez

Grade: A-

As I stated above, I think the Marlins would prefer an outfielder in a deal for Lopez, and Miami gets too in the form of  Nootbaar and Moises Gomez. Nootbaar gives them an exciting young bat who could be their new everyday center fielder, while Miami also nags MiLB’s home run leader in 2022 in Gomez who could give some much needed power to their lineup.

I personally think it’ll take a bit more than this, but I think this is great framework for a deal. The Cardinals also snag left-handed reliever Andrew Nardi, who has been really good throughout the minor-leagues but struggled in his 14.2 MLB innings this last year.