As the last days of 2025 pass us by, the Major League Baseball trade wire is heating up, but so far the St. Louis Cardinals have remained silent – for now. One of the biggest and most complicated trades this offseason was just completed between the Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Tampa Bay Rays. […]
As the last days of 2025 pass us by, the Major League Baseball trade wire is heating up, but so far the St. Louis Cardinals have remained silent – for now.
One of the biggest and most complicated trades this offseason was just completed between the Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Tampa Bay Rays. Let’s see if I can unwind this yarn ball of transactions that was confirmed by MLB Trade Rumors. The Pittsburgh Pirates traded Mike Burrows to the Houston Astros and in return received 2nd baseman Brandon Lowe, outfielder Jake Mangum and LHP Mason Montgomery from the Tampa Bay Rays. The Tampa Bay Rays received outfielder Jacob Melton and RHP Anderson Brito from the Houston Astros.
The Tampa Bay Rays were also involved in a big trade with the Baltimore Orioles as they sent RHP Shane Baz to the east coast birds in exchange for outfielder Slater de Brun, catcher Caden Bodine, RHP Michael Forret and outfielder Austin Overn. The Rays also receive a Competitive Balance Round A draft pick as a part of the deal.
The Kansas City Royals made a trade for LHP Matt Strahm from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for RHP Jonathan Bowlan. This is a homecoming of sorts for Strahm who was drafted by the Royals back in 2012 in the 21st round.
There’s free agent news to pass along, too, as Josh Bell has signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins which includes a mutual option according to MLB Trade Rumors. It’s a $7 million guarantee when you factor in Bell’s money for 2026, signing bonus and buyout option.
What about our beloved St. Louis Cardinals? Well, not much to report. We learned this week that the Cardinals were a part of Ketel Marte’s no-trade list which was never a thought of being possible in anyone’s mind anyway. We also heard from Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the Baltimore Orioles are interested in JoJo Romero. Oh, and the St. Louis Cardinals confirmed they have outrighted Matt Koperniak to Memphis after he cleared waivers. In case you missed it, Ken Rosenthal believes there’s interest in Nolan Arenado if the Los Angeles Angels reach a buy-out agreement with Anthony Rendon.
I remain confident that President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom will make the right decisions when it comes to Brendan Donovan, Alec Burleson, Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado and others, but I also acknowledge the eerie similarities to last winter’s lack of progress. Let’s hope the St. Louis Cardinals silence ends soon when/if the right offers happen.
Category: General Sports
