Cardinals make first MLB trade deadline move with Athletics

The St. Louis Cardinals sparked theories Sunday of delivering a big MLB trade move. The National League Central franchise indeed pulled one off before the MLB trade deadline in working a deal with the Athletics. Scott Blewett rises as the player on the move.

A’s insider for mlb.com Martin Gallegos confirmed the Cards-Athletics deal Sunday. Gallegos adds how St. Louis receives cash considerations in return.

The 30-year-old Blewett hands the soon-to-be Las Vegas bound A’s a right-handed option. Blewett hasn’t started a single game this season for St. Louis, so the A’s can make room to play him in their bullpen.

He has appeared in one game, though, for the Cards. Blewett received action on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels, pitching in two innings. The veteran struck out two batters and allowed one hit in the 5-1 loss. He also walked just two batters in limited duty.

Blewett spent most of his 2026 campaign down with the Triple-A affiliate Memphis Redbirds. There he recorded a 5-1 overall mark as a starter. But he produced a 5.18 ERA facing the minor league competition. He started twice and put together 63 strikeouts, 19 walks and delivered six saves. The now former Cardinals member played in 48.2 innings down in Memphis.

So St. Louis pulls off this move following Sunday’s 5-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Blewett didn’t throw in the contest as St. Louis cycled through six different arms in the loss. Matt Svanson took the defeat after pitching in 0.1 innings, allowing two hits and three runs. Starter Kyle Leahy fanned nine batters in six innings while surrendering six hits.

Blewett previously went through one trade last year: going from the Baltimore Orioles to the Atlanta Braves.