Grading reader submitted trade proposals for the Cardinals

Cardinals take a flyer on a former MVP

Submitted by @caden_schro

Cardinals receive: OF Cody Bellinger 

Dodgers receive: OF/DH Alec Burleson

Grade: C+

Trade was submitted before Bellinger was non-tendered by the Dodgers.

This is an interesting idea again from @caden_schro, as the Cardinals could see if a change of scenery helps Cody Bellinger regain any of his All-Star or even MVP as a left-handed bat in their lineup. There’s a few reasons why I did not grade this idea higher, although definitely an A-grade for creativity.

First, the Cardinals already have so much uncertainty in their outfielder. Adding Bellinger, especially for a prospect like Burleson, means you are committing to giving him consistent at-bats to prove himself, and that is on top of finding time for guys like Jordan Walker, Dylan Carlson, Tyler O’Neill, Lars Nootbaar, and Juan Yepez. I am not sure they can afford to cross their fingers on another guy.

Second, Bellinger is projected $18.1 million in arbitration next year. Unless he can come to an agreement with Los Angeles before the trade and then they eat most of that money, that is way too much to pay a guy who has been bad the last few years.

Third, there is a really good chance the Dodgers non-tender Bellinger and he hits the open market. So if St. Louis really was interested, they’d be better suited waiting for him to hit the open market, rather than trade a prospect for him. I will bet any bidding war for Bellinger would not come anywhere close to that $18.1 million mark.

Conclusion

It was fun to think alongside you all about potential moves for the Cardinals this off-season. If you liked this idea and want to participate in a future addition, let me know in the comments below and I’ll mark down your proposals.