The St. Louis Cardinals are enjoying a successful 2022 campaign. With a few superstars and no shortage of reliable veteran presences, this is a team built to make the playoffs. But can St. Louis make a World Series run with their current roster? It's possible, but the Cardinals would benefit from adding ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline.
Let's take a look at 4 players St. Louis should look into acquiring.
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4 top targets for Cardinals ahead of 2022 MLB trade deadline
Jose Quintana
The Cardinals need another starting pitcher. Veteran Adam Wainwright is their ace right now with Jack Flaherty on the injured list. And Flaherty's overall effectiveness could be underwhelming upon his return due to missing time with injury. Additionally, the Red Birds lack depth in the rotation. Miles Mikolas has been impressive and Dakota Hudson is a decent option.
But the Cardinals would benefit from acquiring at least one more capable starting pitcher.
Now, the Cardinals may opt to put together a loaded trade package and acquire Luis Castillo or Frankie Montas. But Jose Quintana comes at a far cheaper price but has been effective nonetheless.
Quintana inked a one-year deal with the Pirates this season. His goal was to reestablish himself in the big leagues. And so far, that plan has certainly worked out. The veteran left-hander owns a 3.43 ERA over 76 innings pitched. He isn't the most efficient pitcher, but the Cardinals wouldn't need to break the bank to trade for him.
Josh Bell
Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado are superstars who lock down the corner infield positions in St. Louis. They also both hit right-handed. So acquiring a switch-hitting power threat such as Josh Bell would be beneficial for three main reasons.
First off, Bell's presence in the lineup would add versatility. The Cardinals have a number of right-handed hitters and Bell's switch-hitting prowess would give opposing managers something extra to consider.
Secondly, Josh Bell could slot in as the DH. But he would also be able to spell Goldschmidt at first base and give him extra days off. Goldschmidt is the Cardinals' primary first baseman, but the team surely wouldn't mind giving him a few extra days at DH.
And finally, Bell is producing extremely impressive numbers this season. The Nationals star is hitting well over .300 with an OBP hovering around .400. And he offers plenty of power as well.
Andrew Benintendi may not be on this list if Tyler O'Neal and Harrison Bader were healthy. But they have both dealt with injuries this season. Dylan Carlson hasn't been great in the Cardinals outfielder either.
So Benintendi of the Royals makes sense as a trade target for St. Louis.
The Kansas City outfielder is hitting over .300 and offers quality defense in left field. The Cardinals take pride in their defense so Benintendi would be a natural fit with the organization. He also hits from the left-side of the plate which is what St. Louis needs.
The Cardinals would need to make a decision on Carlson once Bader and O'Neal return. But having too many outfielders is better than not having enough.
Brandon Drury
Brandon Drury is destined to be a popular name in trade conversations. He is versatile and having a solid campaign for a laboring Reds ball club. Cincinnati is going to be a seller and Drury should net them a nice profit.
The Cardinals would benefit from Drury's versatility. He could fill in wherever St. Louis needs him. The Cardinals could place him in the outfield with Bader and O'Neal injured, but could also utilize him at second, third, or shortstop to give other players days off.
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