Cardinals Fireballer Reportedly Linked To Trio Of Contenders In Possible Trade Deadline Swap

The St. Louis Cardinals reportedly have been attempting to sign one of their stud pitchers to an extension but if it doesn't pan out, a move could be in the works.

St. Louis fireballer Jordan Hicks has been one of the club's most consistent pitchers so far this season but will be a free agent at the end of the season and if an extension can't be agreed upon before the August 1 trade deadline, could find himself playing elsewhere shortly. Three teams that reportedly could be interested in a trade reportedly are the Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, and the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

"It’s still possible that Jordan Hicks and the Cardinals come to an agreement on an extension, but St. Louis is drawing interest from several teams including the Rangers, Rays (and) Dbacks, per sources," Feinsand said. "If no extension is reached, Hicks will likely be traded by Tuesday’s deadline."

If the season were to end today, Tampa Bay and Texas both would be in the postseason and the Diamondbacks are just a half-game out of a National League Wild Card spot. Hicks could help any of the trio if he were to be dealt. The 26-year-old fireballer has compiled a 3.67 ERA so far this season in 40 appearances and has an electric fastball that has reached 104 miles per hour. 

At just 26 years old and beginning to enter his prime, he would be the perfect player for the Cardinals to hang on to and keep in the back of the bullpen as the team looks to get back into the postseason next year. There's no way to know at this point if a move will happen, but the trade deadline is quickly approaching and there isn't much time left.

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