The St. Louis Cardinals faced a harsh reality when they dealt Jordan Montgomery, Chris Stratton, Jack Flaherty, Paul DeJong and Jordan Hicks leading up to the trade deadline.
The organization needed to make those moves to bolster their farm system and they appear to have done so.
The most notable move at the deadline was the trade of Montgomery and Stratton to the Texas Rangers in exchange for infielder Thomas Saggese, right-hander Tekoah Roby and left-hander John King.
Saggese alone is making the trade look promising, as he continues to be one of the best hitters in the minor leagues. The 21-year-old has hit .328 with 19 extra-base hits including 10 home runs, 29 RBIs and a 1.067 OPS in 32 games since joining Double-A Springfield.
The Cardinals No. 9 prospect has hit .317 with 59 extra-base hits including 25 home runs, 107 RBIs and a .936 OPS in 125 total games at Double-A this season. Saggese's level of offensive production has been incredible to watch as the former fifth-round pick continues to surge his prospect stock.
King, who was seen as a throw-in by many, also has been on a tear for the big-league roster. While the games don't ultimately mean much, he's posted a 1.64 ERA in 12 games for the Cardinals. His low strikeout rate implies that he will come back down to reality but he's been a nice boost for an injury-riddled bullpen.
Roby has been battling injuries all season but currently is rated as the No. 5 prospect in the Cardinals system and was seen as the big prize by many.
The overall haul -- led by Roby's potential and Saggese's production -- has looked fantastic so far. The best part? Montgomery will enter free agency in a couple of months and St. Louis will have a chance for a reunion.
The Cardinals will be in the market for starting pitching and are expected to add at least three starters this winter. There is a world where they bring back Montgomery, and add additional frontline-caliber pitchers while retaining their influx of prospect talent. In that case, St. Louis would be right back in contention.
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