3 Cardinals players the Cubs should (but probably won't) trade for

3 Cardinals players the Cubs should (but probably won't) trade for - #3: Chris Stratton

On an affordable one-year deal with peripherals that suggest he's been a victim of the Cardinals' big-time defensive regression here in 2023, right-hander Chris Stratton could be an under-the-radar trade target for any team not looking to break the bank while shoring up their bullpen for the stretch run.

A 4.20 ERA isn't much to look at, but there's a lot to like about a 2.99 FIP and 1.133 WHIP. The spin rates on both his breaking ball and fastball are elite (and we know the Cubs love themselves a good spin rate guy). He's probably not going to settle in as a setup man or closer, but we've seen firsthand this year how critical those middle innings can be.

Stratton isn't a flashy add, by any means. But he's the perfect piece for St. Louis to dangle if they're looking to re-tool for next year. He's far from a household name across the league, but has a solid enough body of work that he's probably capable of helping a team like the Cubs make a run at October.