Buyers or Sellers: St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals

Record: 53-49

Games out of playoffs: 6.0 in NL Central, 0.5 in Wildcard

Buyer or Seller: Buyers

Entering the 2024 season as the favorite to win the National League Central division, the St. Louis Cardinals got off to a rough start going 24-26 over the first 50 games. After a hot streak, the Cardinals now find themselves at 53-49. 

Slowly clawing their way to the top of the NL Central, they sit only six games behind the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers and have a great chance to overtake the lead if they can bring in some reinforcements.

With the Brewers possibly losing outfielder Christian Yelich for the season due to a back injury, now is the time for the Cardinals to make their move.

Only days away from the trade deadline, here is a player the Cardinals should acquire to continue their playoff push.

One move to make: Acquire outfielder Brent Rooker from the Oakland Athletics 

While the Cardinals could use help on the pitching staff, a more pressing need is finding a bat to help handle left-handed pitching. And one name that fits that mold is Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker.

In the middle of a career year, the 29-year-old would give the Cardinals a power hitter to slide right into the heart of the lineup.

A breakout player last season, Rooker hit 30 home runs and had 69 RBI in his first full season in the MLB.

Currently slashing .289/.366/.578 with 24 home runs and 70 RBI, Rooker has become one of the most underrated power bats in the MLB and has been crushing lefties.

With eight home runs in 70 at-bats versus left-handed pitching, Rooker would pick up the slack that has been left by struggling first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and third baseman Nolan Arenado. 

Only playing a handful of games in the outfield this season, Rooker would be a better fit to take over the designated hitter duties for the Cardinals, who have been rotating players at the position. 

After posting their first losing season since 2007 last year, the Cardinals have an aging roster and can't afford to stand pat with the division up for grabs.