Reports: D-backs and Cardinals talked Paul Goldschmidt trade
Dec 4, 2018, 10:15 AM | Updated: 2:13 pm
Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt looks on from the dugout before the baseball game against the San Diego Padres Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
(AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
The St. Louis Cardinals appear to be a prime trade destination for Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, and the two teams have reportedly talked.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi confirmed an earlier report by St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Derrick Goold that said as much. Whether the Cardinals can offer an appealing deal to the D-backs, who have reportedly been open to trading their franchise star with one year and $14.5 million left on his contract, remains to be seen.
As Goold notes, there are many reasons approaching Arizona about such a deal makes sense for St. Louis.
Middle order? Check. Corner infield? Check. Potential to acquire and extend? Oh, yes, yes, check. The Cardinals are one of the teams who have spoken with the Diamondbacks about their righthanded-hitting first baseman, sources have confirmed. It is, after all, a front office’s job to do so. Arizona has a hitter that interests the Cardinals, and the Cardinals have pitching/outfield prospects that interest the Diamondbacks.
In a question-answer chat Goold held with fans on Monday, the reporter said a deal might require the Cardinals to deal the D-backs a major-league level pitcher with several years of control, a prospect close to being capable of making a 40-man roster and a position player with a standout tool.
(Reader) Follow-up: Your Goldschmidt trade sounds like Dakota Hudson, Tyler O’Neill or perhaps Carson Kelly if the D-Backs need a catcher, and then a lower level, high-upside guy. Close on potential names?
GOOLD: Looks rather similar to the Ozuna trade, honestly. So connect dots from there. Names you bring up are going to be talked about, for sure.
Hudson, 24, debuted last season with 26 games in relief and posted a 2.63 ERA and 1.35 WHIP with 11 holds and no blown saves.
O’Neill, a right-fielder, also debuted last season. The 23-year-old battled .254 with nine home runs and 23 RBI in 61 games.
The 24-year-old Kelly, a catcher, could become an option for Arizona after veteran Jeff Mathis signed with the Texas Rangers.
And as Goold notes, the Cardinals have a pitcher- and outfielder-heavy group of top prospects, giving the D-backs enticing options to consider if they continue speaking with St. Louis.
Talks could heat up in the next week with the Winter Meetings beginning Sunday and going through Thursday.
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