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Entering the 2024 season as the favorite to win the National League Central division, the St. Louis Cardinals got off to a rough start going 24-26 over the first 50 games. After a hot streak, the Cardinals now find themselves at 53-49.
They are slowly clawing their way to the top of the NL Central, trailing only the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers by six games, and have a terrific chance to capture the lead if they can bring in some reinforcement.
With the Brewers possibly losing outfielder Christian Yelich for the season due to a back ailment, the Cardinals must act fast. With only a few days until the trade deadline, here’s a player the Cardinals should acquire to help them maintain their postseason push.
One move to make: acquiring outfielder Brent Rooker from the Oakland Athletics. While the Cardinals could use some pitching aid, a more pressing need is to locate a hitter that can handle left-handed pitching. One name that matches that type is Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker.
In the middle of a career year, the 29-year-old would give the Cardinals a power hitter to slide right into the heart of the lineup. A breakout player last season, Rooker hit 30 home runs and had 69 RBI in his first full season in the MLB.
Currently slashing .289/.366/.578 with 24 home runs and 70 RBI, Rooker has become one of the most underrated power bats in the MLB and has been crushing lefties. With eight home runs in 70 at-bats versus left-handed pitching, Rooker would pick up the slack that has been left by struggling first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and third baseman Nolan Arenado.
Only playing a handful of games in the outfield this season, Rooker would be a better fit to take over the designated hitter duties for the Cardinals, who have been rotating players at the position. After posting their first losing season since 2007 last year, the Cardinals have an aging roster and can’t afford to stand pat with the division up for grabs.
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