The MLB trade deadline is still months away, but names like Cole Hamels, Johnny Cueto, David Price and Jordan Zimmermann may already be targets for teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, as they have lost Adam Wainwright to a season ending injury, while teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and NY Yankees also could be options.
The Cardinals and Dodgers are currently the top two teams in need of pitching, as both are dealing with injuries in the rotation. Jon Morosi of Fox Sports reports that the Dodgers and Cardinals are both currently looking at internal options before making any major inquiries about trades. The Cardinals have Wainwright done for the season with an Achilles injury, while the Dodgers have Brandon McCarthy done for the year with a torn UCL that needs Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers also have Hyun-Jin Ryu on his way back from a shoulder issue and he could be out for another month.
The Cardinals have a deep farm system, but adding someone that can replace Wainwright is nearly impossible. According to Hardball Talk, the team may look at Tyler Lyons or Tim Cooney as options for now, but they could consider trades down the line. Hamels was the top trade target in the offseason and both the Cardinals and Dodgers were mentioned as potential landing spots. Those teams now could pick up on a deal after the injuries.
The Red Sox are also a team to watch, as their starting pitching has not been good to start the season. The team has an ERA over six and both Rick Porcello and Wade Miley have not been sharp. The team was considered to be the top target for Hamels this offseason and they were reportedly the last team to make a major offer. Hamels could be a target again if the pitching doesn't come together and the team also could look at Cueto or Zimmermann.
The Red Sox have a deep farm system as well and they also have a glut of outfielders that they could dangle in trades. The Dodgers have Ryu coming back, but Morosi reports that he could be out for at least another month and then he also will have to have some rehab starts before coming up to the majors. The dodgers rotation also has McCarthy diagnosed with a torn UCL in his elbow and that could mean Tommy John surgery, putting him out for the year.
Wainwright is done for the season and if the Cardinals rotation doesn't keep up pace, they could look at trades. The Phillies are rebuilding and may finally move Hamels, while the Nationals could move Zimmermann after signing Max Scherzer. Zimmermann is coming into the final year of his contract and has not been able to work out an extension yet.
Cueto also could be a target, as he did not work out an extension with the Reds. If the team does not perform well, the Reds could shop Cueto at the deadline this summer. Last season Cueto was fantastic and finished near the top of the Cy Young voting.