2 starting pitching trades the St. Louis Cardinals could make

Lars Nootbaar and Tommy Edman to the Seattle Mariners for Logan Gilbert

The Seattle Mariners currently have a strong one-two punch in Luis Castillo and Logan Gilbert, and that doesn't include Robbie Ray, who is on the injured list. Last season, Gilbert had a 3.20 ERA and 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings. He would provide the swing-and-miss stuff the Cardinals sorely lack at the moment.

The Mariners' surplus of talent at starting pitching should give them the ability to withstand a hit to their rotation, and the returns would fill their few holes in the lineup. Seattle's weakest position is shortstop, where they usually trot out J.P. Crawford. Tommy Edman would be a strong upgrade at the six-hole for Seattle, and as Cardinals fans know, he can play at second base and even the outfield on occasion.

As for an everyday outfielder, Lars Nootbaar would fit the Mariners' weak right-field spot, where former top prospect Jarred Kelenic could be on thin ice. I realize it's considered sacrilege to think about dealing Nootbaar, but this isn't a Goldschmidt- or Arenado-type trade where the receiving teams are rebuilding; the Mariners would want legitimate everyday players. Just as Cardinals fans are aware of Nootbaar's strong Statcast metrics, other teams' front offices are as well.

The Cardinals have the ability to withstand the losses of both Edman and Nootbaar. The starting shortstop until Masyn Winn is ready could be Brendan Donovan. While his utility aspect wouldn't be utilized as much as it is now if he plays shortstop most days, it would allow a suddenly defensively passable Nolan Gorman to play second base and Alec Burleson or Jordan Walker to rotate at designated hitter. Burleson flashed strong exit velocities this spring and could be a strong piece in the lineup if he's given daily opportunities.

Gilbert, while not the Mariners' ace because of the presence of Castillo, would be a strong No. 1 on many teams, including the Cardinals. He is only 25, so there are likely several good years left in his arm.

Tyler O'Neill to the Tampa Bay Rays for Tyler Glasnow

I know, I know: Trading with the Tampa Bay Rays is a bad idea. But Tyler O'Neill could net a good starter with his five-tool profile, and the Rays have a rotation that can compete with any team in baseball. Tyler Glasnow has been injury-prone throughout his career, but he has proven himself to have No. 1 stuff when healthy. Glasnow fanned an eye-popping 123 batters in 88 innings last season, and while he is currently on the injured list, an exchange for him when he's healthy could go a long way in anchoring the rotation.

The Rays' outfield is probably their weakest position in terms of depth. They have a stalwart in former Cardinal Randy Arozarena, and while Manuel Margot had a breakout year in 2022 and will likely hold down right field, their starting center fielder looks to be the unproven Jose Siri. They could use an upgrade at that spot, which is where O'Neill comes in.

O'Neill would provide the Rays with a fleet-of-foot left fielder or center fielder. His fielding stats are a bit misleading, as he tends to take subpar routes but makes up for them with his elite speed. Like Glasnow, O'Neill has battled numerous injuries in his time with the Cardinals, but his 2021 season, where finished eighth in MVP voting, could make him an enticing option for the Rays to take a swing at.

Trading position players for pitchers is admittedly a dangerous game since pitchers can fall apart at any time. But when you have a position of need and aim to compete for a title, you need to take those risks. The Cardinals have depth in the lineup. They should trade from a position of strength to shore up the rotation. The team will be better for it.