St. Louis Blues Trade Robert Bortuzzo to New York Islanders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The St. Louis Blues have traded defenseman Roberto Bortuzzo to the New York Islanders for a 2024 7th-round pick. Bortuzzo, 34, currently has played 4 games and is a plus 2 in 2023-2024. 

In 2018-2019, Bortuzzo helped the Blues win the Stanley Cup. Bortuzzo had his best season in 2017-2018. That season, Bortuzzo played 72 games with 4 goals, 9 assists, 13 points, and a plus 11. The goals and points were both career highs for Bortuzzo. In 2013-2014, with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Bortuzzo had a career high 10 assists. Bortuzzo had a career high 73 games in 2021-2022. 

Overall, Bortuzzo is currently in his 13th NHL season. Bortuzzo has played 537 games with 20 goals, 54 assists, 74 points, and a plus 41. In the playoffs, Bortuzzo has played 55 games with 2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points, and a plus 1. 

The trade is pretty much a salary dump for the Blues. The Islanders were also in need of a defenseman. It should help both teams.

St. Louis Cardinals Trade Tyler O'Neill to Boston Red Sox

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded leftfielder Tyler O'Neill to the Boston Red Sox for RHP Nick Robertson, starting pitcher Victor Santos. O'Neill, 28, hit .231 with 27 runs, 55 hits, 14 doubles, 9 home runs, 21 RBI's, 5 stolen bases, and 28 walks in 2023. 

O'Neill has won 2 Gold Glove Awards: (2020, and 2021). O'Neill, 28, had his best season in 2021. That season, O'Neill hit .286 with 89 runs, 138 hits, 26 doubles, 2 triples, 34 home runs, 80 RBI's, 15 stolen bases, and 38 walks. The batting average, runs, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, RBI's, stolen bases, and walks were all career highs for O'Neill. 

Overall, O'Neill has played 6 seasons in the MLB. O'Neill has played 477 games with 239 runs, 363 hits, 67 doubles, 3 triples, 78 home runs, 217 RBI's, 40 stolen bases, 136 walks, and a .248 batting average. 

Robertson, 25, was 0-1 with a 6.04 ERA, 18 games, 1 start, 22.1 innings, 26 strikeouts, and 9 walks in 2023. It was Roberton's 1st MLB season. 

Overall, Robertson has played 4 minor league seasons. Robertson is 7-8 with a 3.61 ERA, 150 games, 3 starts, 23 saves, 184.2 innings, 231 strikeouts, and 61 walks. 

Santos, 23, didn't pitch in 2023 due to an injury. Santos last pitched in 2022. In 2022, combined between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester, Santos was 10-12 with a 4.97 ERA, 28 games, 25 starts, 2 complete games, 145 innings, 126 strikeouts and 34 walks. The wins, games, starts, complete games, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Santos. 

Overall, Santos has played 5 minor league seasons. Santos is 32-29 with a 3.72 ERA, 101 games, 71 starts, 3 complete games, 1 save, 445 innings, 403 strikeouts, and 76 walks. 

The Cardinals got what they could for O'Neill. If you thought that a team would give up a lot for him, I'm sorry but they wouldn't. That's because O'Neill has only had 1 good season and has problems staying healthy. Maybe O'Neill just needed a change of scenery? Sometimes players like that do better with a different team. It will be interesting to see what the Cardinals do with the money freed up from O'Neill being traded.
 

St. Louis Cardinals Sign Sonny Gray

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed free agent starting pitcher Sonny Gray to a three-year contract, worth $75 million. The contract includes a team option for 2027, worth $30 million and it comes with a $5 million buyout. The buyout is included in the overall guarantee. 

Gray, 34, was 8-8 with a 2.79 ERA, 32 games, 32 starts, 184 innings, 183 strikeouts, and 55 walks with the Minnesota Twins in 2023. Gray finished as the runner-up to New York Yankees starter Gerrit Cole in the AL Cy Young. 

Gray has been an All-Star 3 times: (2015, 2019, and 2023). 

Gray had his best season in 2015, with the Oakland Athletics. That season, Gray was 14-7 with a 2.73 ERA, 31 games, 31 starts, 3 complete games, 2 shutouts, 208 innings, 169 strikeouts, and 59 walks. The wins and shutouts both tied career highs from 2014 for Gray. The ERA was a career best for Gray and the complete games were a career high. In 2014, Gray had career highs in games (33), starts (33), and innings (219). Gray had a career in strikeouts (205) in 2019, with the Cincinatti Reds. 

Overall, Gray has played 11 seasons in the MLB. Gray is 98-85 with a 3.47 ERA, 279 games, 270 starts, 6 complete games, 4 shutouts, 1,571 innings, 1,521 strikeouts, 544 walks, and a whip of 1.20.

How does Gray look against the other teams in the National League Central? 

Against the Chicago Cubs, Gray is 4-3 with a 2.98 ERA, 11 games, 11 starts, 60.1 innings, 79 strikeouts, and 14 walks. 

Against the Reds, Gray is 0-1 with a 2.35 ERA, 1 game, 1 start, 7.2 innings, 4 strikeouts, and 1 walk. 

Against the Milwaukee Brewers, Gray is 4-3 with a 2.82 ERA, 13 games, 13 starts, 70.1 innings, 91 strikeouts, and 30 walks. 

Against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Gray is 4-4 with a 4.35 ERA, 10 games, 9 starts, 51.2 innings, 53 strikeouts, and 16. 

As of right now the Cardinals starting rotation looks like it could be Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Steven Matz. Gray would be a good no.2 if the Cardinals were to acquire a no.1 starter. On paper, the Cardinals have improved their starting rotation slightly from last season. Again, a no.1 starter would be if they were to find a way to accomplish that. In order to do that, Matz would probably need to be traded or moved to the bullpen. Matz has trouble staying healthy. 

I think the Cardinals probably shift to the bullpen next. I think if the Cardinals had a good bullpen last season, they would have made the playoffs. It's also nice to see the Cardinals being active early and making moves, I don't think many people thought they'd do anything early. 

St. Louis Cardinals Sign Kyle Gibson

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed free agent starting pitcher Kyle Gibson to a one-year contract, worth $12 million. The contract includes a team option for 2025. Gibson, 36, was 15-9 with a 4.73 ERA, 33 games, 33 starts, 192 innings, 157 strikeouts, and 55 walks with the Baltimore Orioles in 2023. Gibson also had 17 quality starts, which ranked 2nd on the Orioles. The wins were a career high for Gibson. 

Gibson was an All-Star in 2021. In 2018, with the Minnesota Twins, Gibson had career highs in both innings (196.2) and strikeouts (179). 

Overall, Gibson has played 11 seasons in the MLB. Gibson is 104-100 with a 4.54 ERA, 300 games, 294 starts, 3 complete games, 1 shutout, 2 holds, 1,696 innings, 1,359 strikeouts, 589 walks, and a whip of 1.38. 

Gibson is also reunited with former Twins and Texas Rangers teammate Lance Lynn. Gibson and Lynn were both on the Twins in 2018, and then on the Rangers in 2020. Have the Cardinals upgraded their starting pitching? A tiny bit. Both Gibson and Lynn can eat innings. The Cardinals have had a problem the last couple of seasons with pitchers not eating innings. You'd see a lot of them just go 5 innings or fail to even get to 5 or 6 innings because they'd get too tired out early. The Cardinals need to add an ace or a no.2 next in order for Gibson and Lynn to help. 

Lance Lynn Returns to Cardinals; Daniel Descalso added to coaching staff

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed free agent starting pitcher Lance Lynn to a one-year contract, worth $10 million. Lynn can earn an additional $3 million from incentives. The contract also includes a team option for 2025, worth $12 million or a $1 million buyout. Lynn, 36, was 13-11 with a 5.73 ERA, 32 games, 32 starts, 183.2 innings, 191 strikeouts, and 67 walks combined between the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023. 

Lynn has been an All-Star 2 times: (2012, and 2021). 

Lynn had his best season in 2019, with the Texas Rangers. That season, Lynn was 16-11 with a 3.67 ERA, 33 games, 33 starts, 208.1 innings, 246 strikeouts, and 59 walks. The innings and strikeouts were both career highs for Lynn. In 2012, with the Cardinals, Lynn had a career high in wins (18). 

Overall, Lynn has played 12 seasons in the MLB. Lynn is 136-95 with a 3.74 ERA, 341 games, 317 starts, 4 complete games, 2 shutouts, 4 holds, 1 save, 1,889 innings, 1,906 strikeouts, 660 walks, and a whip of 1.27. 

The Cardinals have also hired former Cardinals utility player Daniel Descalso as their new bench coach. Descalso, 37, played 5 seasons with the Cardinals (2010-2014). 

In 2011, Descalso helped the Cardinals win the World Series. Last season, Descalso was a baseball operations assistant for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Joe McEwing, 51, will move into the Cardinals front office as a special assistant to John Mozeliak. 

On paper Lynn looks like a good signing for the Cardinals. Lynn knows the Cardinals well and can eat innings. Lynn also isn't afraid to speak his mind if needed. I think that is something the Cardinals missed a bit last season. Sometimes in a clubhouse you need a player who isn't afraid to speak their mind to wake other players up a bit or light a fire under them. 

If the Cardinals actually upgrade the rest of their starting rotation with two other starters, the rotation should be fine. Right now, you have a solid 3 starters in Miles Mikolas, Steven Matz, and Lynn. Now you just need an ace and a good no.2 if possible. Then you just need to upgrade the bullpen. 

Descalso should be an upgrade over McEwing for Marmol's staff. It seems to help other teams to have a player who has played recently on their staff. A lot of that is because they can help relate to other players. 

St. Louis Cardinals Trade Jack Flaherty to Baltimore Orioles

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded starting pitcher Jack Flaherty to the Baltimore Orioles for infielder Cesar Prieto, starting pitcher Drew Rom, and starting pitcher Zack Showalter. Flaherty, 27, is currently 7-6 with a 4.43 ERA, 20 games, 20 starts, 109.2 innings, 106 strikeouts, and 54 walks in 2023. 

Flaherty had his best season in 2019. That season, Flaherty was 11-8 with a 2.75 ERA, 33 games, 33 starts, 196.1 innings, 231 strikeouts, and 55 walks. The ERA was a career best for Flaherty. The wins, games, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Flaherty. 

Overall, Flaherty is currently in his 7th MLB season. Flaherty is 41-31 with a 3.58 ERA, 122 games, 118 starts, 633 innings, 706 strikeouts, 242 walks, and a whip of 1.18.

Prieto, 24, is currently hitting .349 with 49 runs, 117 hits, 20 doubles, 2 triples, 6 home runs, 49 RBI's, 7 stolen bases, and 23 walks combined between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk. The triples, stolen bases, and walks are all career highs for Prieto.

Prieto had his best season in 2022. That season, Prieto hit .273 with 57 runs, 127 hits, 28 doubles, 11 home runs, 57 RBI's, 5 stolen bases, and 20 walks combined between High-A Aberdeen and Double-A Bowie. 

Overall, Prieto is currently in his 2nd minor league season. Prieto has played 200 games with 106 runs, 244 hits, 48 doubles, 2 triples, 17 home runs, 106 RBI's, 12 stolen bases, 43 walks, and a .305 batting average. 

Prieto ranked as the Orioles 16th best prospect. The Orioles had signed Prieto out of Cuba in January 2022, after he won the batting title in 2021. 

Rom, 23, is currently 7-6 with a 5.34 ERA, 19 games, 18 starts, 1 complete game, 86 innings, 100 strikeouts, and 46 walks in Triple-A Norfolk in 2023. 

Rom had his best season in 2022, combined between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk. That season, Rom was 8-3 with a 4.43 ERA, 26 games, 25 starts, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 120 innings, 144 strikeouts, and 47 walks. The games, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Rom. 

In 2021, combined between High-A Aberdeen and Double-Bowie, Rom had a career high 11 wins. 

Overall, Rom is currently in his 5th minor league season. Rom is 32-15 with a 3.79 ERA, 99 games, 87 starts, 3 complete games, 2 shutouts, 1 save, 439.2 innings, 514 strikeouts, and 158 walks. 

Rom ranked as the Orioles 18th best prospect. 

Showalter, 19, currently is 0-2 with a 2.37 ERA, 9 games, 8 starts, 30.1 innings, 41 strikeouts, and 14 walks combined between the Florida Complex League and Single-A Delmarva.

It's Showalter's 1st minor league season.

Showalter was unranked, but Baseball America ranked him as the Orioles 16th best prospect in their rankings. 

The Cardinals got a pretty good trade for Flaherty. It will be interesting to see what the Cardinals do with their prospects they've received over the past couple of days. Some of them appear close to be MLB ready. Possibly, as soon as 2024. Do the Cardinals even maybe use a few of the prospects to upgrade the pitching staff via the trade route in the offseason?

St. Louis Cardinals Trade Paul DeJong to Toronto Blue Jays

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded shortstop Paul DeJong, and cash considerations to the Toronto Blue Jays for right-handed reliever Matt Svanson. DeJong, 29, currently is hitting .233 with 38 runs, 65 hits, 11 doubles, 13 home runs, 32 RBI's, 4 stolen bases, and 21 walks in 2023. 

DeJong had his best season in 2019. That season, DeJong was an All-Star and hit .233 with 97 runs, 136 hits, 31 doubles, 1 triple, 30 home runs, 78 RBI's, 9 stolen bases, and 62 walks. The runs, hits, doubles, home runs, RBI's, stolen bases, and walks were all career highs for DeJong.

Overall, DeJong is currently in his 7th MLB season. DeJong has played 698 games with 338 runs, 566 runs, 118 doubles, 4 triples, 115 home runs, 338 RBI's, 23 stolen bases, 213 walks, and a .233 batting average. 

Svanson, 24, is currently 4-1 with a 1.11 ERA, 26 games, 6 saves, 32.1 innings, 39 strikeouts, and 11 walks combined between Single-A Dunedin and High-A Vancouver in 2023. The saves are a career high for Svanson. 

In 2022, Svanson had career highs in wins (8), games (28), starts (9), innings (82.1), and in strikeouts 83) combined between Single-A Dunedin and High-A Vancouver. 

Overall, Svanson is currently in his 3rd minor league season. Svanson is 13-7 with a 3.18 ERA, 65 games, 9 starts, 11 saves, 130.1 innings, 145 strikeouts, and 42 walks. 

Svanson will be assigned to Double-A Springfield.

DeJong can be a free agent after the season. DeJong has a team option for 2024 worth $12.5 million or a $2 million buyout. DeJong is reunited with former Cardinals' teammates Genesis Cabrera, and Jordan Hicks. 

Svanson seems like a interesting return for DeJong. Time will tell to see if he amounts to anything. So far, Johnn Mozeliak has been true to his word when he said he'd get pitching. Will the Cardinals promote shortstop Masyn Winn from Triple-A Memphis soon, now that DeJong is traded? Hopefully, yes. Winn seems ready. To me it's also a good time for Winn to get his feet wet. It's less pressure for Winn, compared to being in a playoff race. 

St. Louis Cardinals Trade Jordan Montgomery to Texas Rangers

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery, right-handed reliever Chris Stratton, and international bonus pool money to the Texas Rangers for left-handed reliever John King, starting pitcher Tekoah Roby, and infielder Thomas Saggese. Montgomery, 30, is currently 6-9 with a 3.42 ERA, 21 games, 21 starts, 121 innings, 108 strikeouts, and 35 walks in 2023. Montgomery also had 12 quality starts; last season he had a career high 14 quality starts. 

Montgomery had his best season in 2022, combined between the New York Yankees and Cardinals. That season, Montgomery was 9-6 with a 3.48 ERA, 32 games, 32 starts, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 178.1 innings, 158 strikeouts, and 36 walks. The wins, games, starts, complete game, shutout, and innings were all career highs for Montgomery. In 2021, Montgomery had a career high 162 strikeouts. 

Overall, Montgomery is currently in his 7th MLB season. Montgomery is 34-32 with a 3.77 ERA, 130 games, 129 starts, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 687.1 innings, 647 strikeouts, 194 walks, and a whip of 1.22. 

Stratton, 32, is currently 1-1 with a 4.36 ERA, 4 holds, 42 games, 1 save, 53.2 innings, 59 strikeouts, and 17 walks in 2023. 

Statton had his best season in 2018, with the San Francisco Giants. That season, Stratton was 10-10 with a 5.09 ERA, 28 games, 26 starts, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 145 innings, 112 strikeouts, and 54 walks. The wins, starts, complete game, shutout, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Stratton. In 2021, with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Stratton had career highs in both games (68) and in saves (8). Stratton had a career high in holds (8) in 2022. 

Overall, Stratton is currently in his 8th MLB season. Stratton is 36-24 with a 4.50 ERA, 280 games, 42 starts, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 25 holds, 12 saves, 516 innings, 482 strikeouts, 208 walks, and a whip of 1.43. 

King, 28, is currently 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA, 15 games, 2 holds, 18.2 innings, 10 strikeouts, and 4 walks in 2023. In Triple-A Round Rock, King is currently 2-2 with a 3.32 ERA, 12 games, 3 starts, 1 save, 21.2 innings, 13 strikeouts, and 6 walks. 

King had his best season in 2021. That season, King was 7-5 with a 3.52 ERA, 27 games, 46 innings, 40 strikeouts, and 12 walks. The ERA was a career best for King. The wins and strikeouts were both career highs for King. In 2022, King had career highs in games (39), holds (8), and in innings (51.1). 

Overall, King is currently in his 4th MLB season. King is 10-10 with a 4.27 ERA, 87 games, 14 holds, 126.1 innings, 89 strikeouts, 34 walks, and a whip of 1.39. 

Roby, 21, is currently 2-3 with a 5.05 ERA, 10 games, 10 starts, 46.1 innings, 50 strikeouts, and 12 walks in Double-A Frisco in 2023. 

Roby had his best season in 2022, in High-A Hickory. That season, Roby was 3-11 with a 4.64 ERA, 22 games, 21 starts, 104.2 innings, 126 strikeouts, and 35 walks. The wins, games, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Roby. 

Overall, Roby is currently in his 3rd minor league season. Roby is 7-16 with a 4.47 ERA, 38 games, 37 starts, 173 innings, 211 strikeouts, and 54 walks. 

Roby ranked as the Rangers 11th best prospect. 

Saggese, 21, is currently hitting .314 with 67 runs, 115 hits, 22 doubles, 3 triples, 15 home runs, 78 RBI's, 8 stolen bases, and 34 walks in Double-A Frisco in 2023. The batting average, runs, and RBI's are all career highs for Saggese. 

In 2021, Saggese had a career high 32 walks. Saggese had career highs in hits (125), doubles (25), triples (4), home runs (15), and in stolen bases (12) combined between High-A Hickory and Double-A Frisco in 2022. 

Overall, Saggese is currently in his 3rd minor league season. Saggese has played 268 games with 172 runs, 302 hits, 61 doubles, 10 triples, 40 home runs, 185 RBI's, 31 stolen bases, 106 walks, and a .299 batting average. 

Saggese ranked as the Rangers 14th best prospect. 

The Cardinals got a pretty good trade for Montgomery. Roby now ranks as the Cardinals 4th best prospect, and Saggese ranks as their 8th best prospect. 

It's better to get something in return for Montgomery, rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency. There's always a chance too, that Montgomery could return to the Cardinals as a free agent. The Cardinals on paper though look better for the future. 

St. Louis Cardinals Trade Jordan Hicks to Toronto Blue Jays

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded closer Jordan Hicks to the Toronto Blue Jays for starting pitcher Sem Robberse, and starting pitcher Adam Kloffenstein. Hicks, 26, is currently 1-6 with a 3.67 ERA, 40 games, 8 saves, 41.2 innings, 59 strikeouts, and 24 walks in 2023. Since being moved the closers' role, Hicks is 8/9 in save opportunities. 

Hicks had his best season in 2018. That season, Hicks was 3-4 with a 3.59 ERA, 73 games, 24 holds, 6 saves, 77.2 innings, 70 strikeouts, and 45 walks. The wins, games, holds, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Hicks. In 2019, Hicks had a career high 14 saves. Hicks also had a career best 3.14 ERA in 2019. 

Overall, Hicks is currently in his 5th MLB season. Hicks is 9-18 with a 3.98 ERA, 187 games, 44 holds, 28 saves, 219.1 innings, 233 strikeouts, 125 walks, and a whip of 1.32. 

Hicks is reunited with former Cardinals' teammate Genesis Cabrera. 

Robberse, 21, is currently 3-5 with a 4.06 ERA, 18 games, 18 starts, 88.2 innings, 86 strikeouts, and 33 walks in Double-A New Hampshire in 2023. Robberse, who is from the Netherlands, was recently in the 2023 Futures Games. In the Futures Game, Robberse pitched 0.1 innings, with 1 strikeout and allowed 2 runs. His fastball reached 95 miles per hour. Robberse was the first ever Netherlands-born player to appear in the Future Games (they bring 50-top prospects from across the minor leagues). Robberse ranked as the Blue Jays 7th best prospect. 

Robberse had his best season in 2022, combined between High-A Vancouver and Double-A New Hampshire. That season, Robberse was 4-7 with a 3.23 ERA, 22 games, 22 starts, 111.1 innings, 97 strikeouts, and 34 walks. The ERA was a career best for Robberse. The games, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Robberse.

Overall, Robberse is currently in his 4th minor league season. Robberse is 14-19 with a 3.73 ERA, 66 games, 62 starts, 299 innings, 282 strikeouts, and 105 walks. 

Kloffenstein, 22, is currently 5-5 with a 3.24 ERA, 17 games, 17 starts, 1 complete game, 89 innings, 105 strikeouts, and 34 walks in Double-A New Hampshire in 2023. 

In 2021, Kloffenstein had a career high 7 wins. Kloffenstein had career highs in games (25), starts (24), innings (112), and in strikeouts (118) in 2022 combined between High-A Vancouver and Double-A New Hampshire. 

Overall, Kloffenstein is currently in his 5th minor league season. Kloffenstein is 18-23 with a 4.57 ERA, 80 games, 79 strikeouts, 1 complete game, 368.2 innings, 398 strikeouts, and 175 walks. 

Both Robberse and Kloffenstein will report to Triple-A Memphis. Robberse ranks as the Cardinals 6th best prospect and Kloffenstein ranks as their 23rd best prospect. 

The Cardinals got a good trade for Hicks, who could become a free agent at the end of the season. If Hicks wants to return as a free agent, he can. It's better to get something for your free agents rather than risk losing them for nothing. In some cases, you could make an argument that the Cardinals should have received more for Hicks, with Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano being injured. 

It will also be interesting to see how Hicks does with Pete Walker as his pitching coach. Walker is considered to be one of the best pitching coaches in the MLB. 

St. Louis Blues Re-Sign Alexey Toropchenko

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed right wing Alexy Toropchenko to a two-year contract extension, worth $2.5 million. Toropchenko, 24, played 69 games with 10 goals, 9 assists, 19 points, and a plus 6 in 2022-2023. Toropchenko also had 46 blocked shots and 122 hits. The games, goals, assists, points, plus mark, blocked shots, and hits were all career high for Toropchenko. 

Overall, Toropchenko has played 2 seasons in the NHL. Toropchenko has played 97 games with 12 goals, 9 assists, 21 points, and a -3. In the playoffs, Toropchenko has played 12 games with 2 assists, 2 points, and a plus 2.
 

The Blues did a good job getting Toropchenko re-signed. He's proven to be a good 4th line player for the Blues. 

It's Sunny in St. Louis; Sundqvist Returns to Blues

 

The St. Louis Blues have signed free agent center Oskar Sundqvist to a one-year contract, worth $755,000. Sundqvist, 29, played 67 games with 10 goals, 18 assists, 28 points, and a -4 combined between the Detroit Red Wings and Minnestoa Wild. The assists for Sundqvist were a career high. 

Sundqvist returns to the Blues; the team that he had his best success with from (2017-2022). Sundqvist had his best season in 2018-2019. That season, Sundqvist played 74 games with 14 goals, 17 assists, 31 points, and a -1. The games, goals, and points were all career highs for Sundqvist. Sundqvist also had career highs in both hits (101) and in blocked shots (31). Sundqvist helped the Blues win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, and his 2nd of his career. Sundqvist won his first Stanley Cup in 2015-2016, with the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Overall, as a member of the Blues, Sundqvist played 242 games with 35 goals, 48 assists, 83 points, and a -3. 

Overall, Sundqvist has played 8 seasons in the NHL. Sundqvist has played 355 games with 50 goals, 73 assists, 123 points, and a -10. In the playoffs, Sundqvist has played 37 games with 5 goals, 5 assists, 11 points, and a plus 3. 

Sundqvist should be a great addition for the Blues roster. He's a great 4th line player, who at times can see the 3rd line. He also brings lots of energy to the team and is good on the penalty kill. As to the 4th line, it will be Sammy Blais, Sundqvist, and Alexey Toropchenko. It's a win-win for both the Blues and Sundqvist. 

Will the Blues make any other moves this offseason? Do you think they look better so far with Keven Hayes and Sundqvist? I think they do look better. I think they'll trade a defenseman to try to improve their cap situation at some points. 

St. Louis Blues Acquire Kevin Hayes

 

The St. Louis Blues have traded a 6-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft to the Philadelphia Flyers for center Kevin Hayes. The Flyers will pay 50 percent of Hayes' contract for the next 3 seasons. Hayes, 31, played 81 games with 18 goals, 36 assists, 54 points, and a -22 in 2022-2023. The games were a career high for Hayes. The assists tied a career high from 2018-2019 for Hayes. Hayes also was an All-Star for the 1st time in his career. 

Hayes had a career high 25 goals in 2017-2018, with the New York Rangers. In 2018-2019, combined between the Rangers and Winnipeg Jets, Hayes had a career high 55 points. 

Overall, Hayes has played 9 seasons in the NHL. Hayes has played 634 games with 155 goals, 231 assists, 386 points, and a -22. In the playoffs, Hayes has played 56 games with 8 goals, 18 assists, 26 points, and a plus 5. 

Hayes should be a good addition for the Blues roster. It will be interesting to see what else Blues general manager Doug Armstrong does to improve the Blues and get them back on track this offseason. 

St. Louis Cardinals Re-Sign Miles Mikolas to Two-year Contract Extension

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed starting pitcher Miles Mikolas to a two-year contract extension, worth $40 million. Mikolas, 34, was 12-13 with a 3.29 ERA, 33 games, 32 starts, 1 complete game, 202.1 innings, 153 strikeouts, and 39 walks. The games, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Mikolas. Mikolas also had 22 quality starts, which were another career high. 

Mikolas had his best season in 2018. That season, Mikolas was 18-4 with a 2.83 ERA, 32 games, 32 starts, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 200.2 innings, 146 strikeouts, and 29 walks. The wins, starts, complete game, and shutout were all career highs for Mikolas. The ERA was a career best for Mikolas. 

Mikolas has been an All-Star 2 times: (2018, and 2019). 

The Cardinals have also announced that Mikolas will be the Opening Day starting pitcher on March 30, 2023, against the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Overall, Mikolas has played 7 seasons in the MLB. Mikolas is 45-40 with a 3.70 ERA, 143 games, 115 starts, 3 complete games, 2 shutouts, 1 hold, 723 innings, 536 strikeouts, 145 walks, and a whip of 1.15.

On paper it's a great win for both sides. Mikolas has wanted to stay with the Cardinals beyond 2023 and has proven he's a reliable starting pitcher. Charlie Morton and Chris Bassitt both have signed similar contracts to Mikolas. There's a good chance that Mikolas would have made more money in free agency. 

The Cardinals now have two starting pitchers signed beyond 2023, Mikolas and Steven Matz (both expire after 2025). 

St. Louis Cardinals 2023 Season Preview

 

Offseason additions: SP Adam Wainwright (re-signed), C Willson Contreras, C Tres Barrera, RHP Wilking Rodriguez, RHP Guillermo Zuniga, LHP Anthony Misiewicz, LHP Andrew Suarez, infielder, Jose Fermin, infielder Taylor Motter, infielder, Juniel Querecuto, and OF Oscar Mercado.

Offseason subtractions: 1B Albert Pujols (retired), C Yadier Molina (retired), SP Jose Quintana, OF Corey Dickerson, and OF Ben DeLuzio. 

Point team prediction: 88-91 wins (NL Central Champions, lose in NLCS). Oliver Marmol will be heading into his second season as the Cardinals manager. Marmol had a good season in his first year as the Cardinals manager, leading them to 93-69 record and winning the NL Central for their first time since 2019. The Cardinals didn't fair too well in the Wild Card round, being swept in 2 games by the Philadelphia Phillies. Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols both retired after the season. The Cardinals will look different without Molina behind the plate for the first time since 2004. To replace Molina, the Cardinals signed Willson Contreras from the Chicago Cubs. 

Lineup: 

RF: Lars Nootbaar

LF: Jordan Walker

1B: Paul Goldschmidt 

3B: Nolan Arenado

C: Willson Contreras 

CF: Tyler O'Neill

DH: Juan Yepez/Nolan Gorman (depending on the pitcher)

2B: Brendan Donovan 

SS: Tommy Edman

Bench: 

Tres Barrera (he seems to have impressed the Marmol)

Taylor Motter (until Maysn Winn is ready, I think Paul DeJong will be traded or cut loose if he doesn't start hitting).

Dylan Carlson

Starting rotation:

Jack Flaherty, Miles Mikolas, Steven Matz, Jordan Montgomery, Adam Wainwright

Bullpen:

Ryan Helsley, Giovanny Gallegos, Jordan Hicks, Wilking Rodriguez, Genesis Cabrera, Drew VerHagen, Jake Woodford, and Andre Pallante. 

Fantasy Stud: Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado 

Prospects to watch: Jordan Walker and Masyn Winn

St. Louis Blues Acquire Jakub Vrana

The St. Louis Blues have traded minor-league forward Dylan McLaughlin, and a 7th-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to the Detroit Red Wings for left wing Jakub Vrana. The Red Wings will pay 50% of Vrana's salary. 

Vrana, 27, currently has played 5 games with 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points, and a plus 1 in 2022-2023. Vrana missed a lot of this season due to being in the players assistance program. 

Vrana had his best season in 2019-2020, with the Washington Capitals. That season, Vrana played 69 games with 25 goals, 27 assists, 52 points, and a plus 3. The goals, assists, and points were all career highs for Vrana. In 2017-2018, Vrana helped the Capitals win the Stanley Cup. 

Overall, Vrana is currently in his 7th NHL season. Vrana has played 326 games with 98 goals, 91 assists, 189 points, and a plus 30. In the playoffs, Vrana has played 38 games with 3 goals, 5 assists, 8 points, and a -3. 

Vrana gets a good change of scenery with the Blues to get his career back on track, after falling out of favor with the Red Wings. Vrana can be a good player if healthy. The trade should be great for both sides. 

St. Louis Blues trade Vladimir Tarasenko to New York Rangers

 

The St. Louis Blues have traded right wing Vladimir Tarasenko, and defenseman Niko Mikkola to the New York Rangers for left wing Sammy Blais, defenseman Hunter Skinner, a conditional first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, and a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. The fourth-round pick will become a third-round pick if the Rangers make the playoffs this season. The Blues will also pay 50% of Tarasenko's remaining salary. 

Tarasenko, 31, currently has played 38 games with 10 goals, 19 assists, 29 points, and a -18 in 2022-2023. 

Tarasenko has been an All-Star 4 times: (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2023). 

Tarasenko had his best season in 2021-2022. That season, Tarasenko played 75 games with 34 goals, 48 assists, 82 points, and a plus 7. The assists and points were both career highs for Tarasenko. In 2015-2016, Tarasenko had a career high 40 goals. Tarasenko played a career high 82 games in 2016-2017. In 2018-2019, Tarasenko helped the Blues win the Stanley Cup over the Boston Bruins. 

Overall, Tarasenko is currently in his 11th NHL season. Tarasenko has played 644 games with 262 goals, 291 assists, 553 points, and a plus 57. In the playoffs, Tarasenko has played 90 games with 41 goals, 19 assists, 60 points, and a -22. 

Mikkola, 26, currently has played 50 games with 3 assists, 3 points, and a plus 2 in 2022-2023.

Mikkola had his best season in 2021-2022. That season, Mikkola played 54 games with 3 goals, 10 assists, 13 points, and a -6. The games, goals, assists, and points were all career highs for Mikkola. 

Overall, Mikkola is currently in his 4th NHL season. Mikkola has played 139 games with 4 goals, 16 assists, 20 points, and -12. In the playoffs, Mikkola has played 16 games with 2 assists, and 2 points. 

Blais, 26, currently has played 40 games with 5 assists, 5 points, and a plus 1 in 2022-2023. 

Blais had his best success with the Blues before being traded to the Rangers for left wing Pavel Buchnevich. Blais had his best season in 2020-2021. That season, Blais played 36 games with 8 goals, 7 assists, and 15 points. The assists tied a career high from 2019-2020 for Blais. The goals and points were both career highs for Blais. 

Overall, Blais is currently in his 6th NHL season. Blais has played 173 games with 17 goals, 27 assists, 44 points, and a plus 2. In the playoffs, Blais has played 27 games with 3 goals, 5 assists, 8 points, and a plus 1. 

Skinner, 21, has split time in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack and in the ECHL with the Jacksonville Icemen. In the AHL, Skinner has played 8 games with 2 assists, 2 points, and a -2. In the EHCL, Skinner has played 22 games with 3 goals, 5 assists, 8 points, and a plus 9. 

In 2021-2022, in the AHL. Skinner played 49 games with 4 goals, 9 assists, 13 points, and a -1. 

The trade might not be that great, but it will be decided by who the Blues get with their picks in the draft and if they develop too. Skinner probably was just a throw in and but has the potential to be good, if he can improve his game. Skinner has a great slap shot, which on June 29, 2022, in a hockey skills contest was 107.2 mph. 

Blais isn't afraid to hit players, which lots of players on the Blues roster seem to be scared to do. Currently, Blais has 16 blocked shots and 119 hits. The blocked shots are a career high for Blais. In 2019-2020, Blais had a career high 155 hits. Maybe, Blais becomes a spark for the Blues after the trade? Another good thing about Blais, is that he knows Craig Berube style hockey.