Blue Jays/Cardinals Linked in Trade Talks

Last offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals engaged in talks that centered around a swap of a Jays catcher for a Cards' outfielder. This winter, the word from at least two beat writers is that Toronto and St. Louis will be at the bargaining table once again—this time with pitching being discussed.

In fact, one Jays reporter is (humorously) willing to bet on something getting done. 

Over/under on Blue Jays/Cardinals trades this winter is set at 1.5 with the over juiced to -150.

— Scott Mitchell (@ScottyMitchTSN) November 9, 2023

Last winter, the Jays had interest in outfielder Lars Nootbaar and OF/INF Brendan Donovan, and this offseason have an eye on OF Dylan Carlson as well, per St. Louis Insider Derrick Goold. 

All of those players could be back on the block again this time around with a surplus of position players in St. Louis, and although there's no longer a catcher available in Toronto, the Jays have a strong pitching staff which the Cards would no doubt be looking to tap into. They need pitching, pitching, and more pitching. 

Could the out-of-favor-in-Toronto Alek Manoah figure into things?

Both Nootbaar (left field) and Donovan (multi-position player to replace Whit Merrifield) would be natural fits for the Jays, as would Carlson in center. 

The Blue Jays starting staff and bullpen are both strong suits, and it sounds like there's a basis for something coming to fruition. Keep an eye on Toronto and St. Louis as trade partners. 

Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports