The St. Louis Cardinals are set to buy this winter, yet the latest rumor links them to a deal that makes little sense. Fansided suggested the team should “Explore a trade for Anthony Volpe.” While Murray notes that general manager Chaim Bloom has experience dealing with the Yankees, taking this specific bait would be a huge mistake.
Why the numbers don’t add up
The Cardinals need infield help, but Volpe offers very little upside despite his age. The 25-year-old is under club control through the 2028 season, which sounds great on paper. However, his recent production tells a different story about his value. Last year he recorded a 1.6 bWAR across 153 games alongside a .663 OPS, while this season’s .671 OPS remains disappointing. His hitting performance falls short of above-average standards, and his defensive play offers little reassurance as well.
Trading for a player who provides little value offensively or defensively does not solve the team’s actual problems. The cost to acquire him would be high, yet he does not fill a spot where the Cardinals even need a starter. St. Louis has uncertainty at shortstop and third base, but paying a premium for a “solid” player who has been solid for two years is not the right move.
Sticking with the homegrown option
The team already has a young shortstop in Masyn Winn who is a fun player to watch. Winn is 24 years old and posted a .632 OPS this season. While his numbers are low, he is a homegrown talent the organization knows well. Comparing Winn’s .632 OPS to Volpe’s .671 OPS shows a very thin margin for the price of a trade.
Bloom should look elsewhere for upgrades instead of chasing a polarizing Yankees infielder. The Cardinals have a history of smart roster building. This specific trade target does not fit that legacy or the current roster needs. Taking a chance on Volpe might look okay in a spreadsheet, but for the actual team, it is a bad idea.
The real cost of a bad move
Adding a player like Volpe would not help the Cardinals out much at all. He has only been solid, and there is no reason to believe he will suddenly become a star in St. Louis. The team should focus on the veterans they actually need rather than a flashy name from New York.
There is no justification for trading to obtain the divisive Yankees infielder. The front office has the chance to make moves that improve the team this winter. They must avoid this specific mistake and stick with a plan that actually works for the long term.
