It would be an unusual occurrence, but should the Cubs and Cardinals make a deal, these three players could be involved at the trade deadline.
There have been just two trades in the last 25 years between the Cubs and Cardinals. It’s rare to see division rivals swap pieces with one another, but it’s not impossible.
The last thing a team wants is to see their biggest foe find success thanks to their own help. That’s why usually they aren’t considered blockbuster deals. Chicago made this mistake when they sent Lou Brock to St. Louis in 1964, and the rest is history.
That being said, the Cubs have already hinted towards becoming sellers at the upcoming trade deadline. Should there be an offer that’s extremely intriguing, it could result in the Cardinals showing interest.
3. Cardinals trade rumors: Cubs outfielder Joc Pederson provides left-handed power
Much of the Cardinals everyday lineup provides very little power from the left side of the plate. The team has switch hitters in Tommy Edman and Dylan Carlson, but the two have just 11 home runs combined and average a .379 slugging percentage.
St. Louis could benefit from a slugger like Joc Pederson who would provide some much-needed thump as a lefty. In 248 at-bats this season, Pederson has posted a .415 slugging percentage along with 11 homers and 36 RBIs. All of his home runs have come against right-handed pitching as well as 31 of his RBIs with a .451 slugging percentage.
Meanwhile, Cardinals have struggled to hit for power against righties this season as they hold a .375 slugging percentage, the sixth-lowest in the majors.
In the midst of his one-year, $7 million deal with Chicago, Pederson figures to be one of the many pieces the Cubs will shop before the July 30 deadline. He likely won’t net any type of expensive return package of prospects or big-league ready players, but the Cubs will still consider getting something for Pederson rather than letting him walk for nothing in return at season’s end.