St. Louis Cardinals claim Chase Hampton

The St. Louis Cardinals have claimed starting pitcher Chase Hampton off of waivers from the Washington Nationals. Hampton, 25, was 0-6 with an 8.18 ERA, 17 games, 17 starts, 55 innings, 56 strikeouts, 34 walks, and a whip of 1.78 combined between Low-A Tampa, High-A Hudson Valley, and Double-A Somerset in 2026. 

The Nationals had claimed Hampton off of waivers from the New York Yankees on September 12, 2026.

Hampton had his best season in 2023, combined between High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset. That season, Hampton was 4-3 with a 4.30 ERA, 20 games, 20 starts, 106.2 innings, 145 strikeouts, 37 walks, and a whip of 1.14. The wins, games, starts, and innings were all career highs for Hampton.

Overall, Hampton has played 3 minor league seasons. Hampton is 4-10 with a 4.89 ERA, 44 games, 44 starts, 180.1 innings, 217 strikeouts, 80 walks, and a whip of 1.33.

Hampton is a former top 100 prospect who returned from Tommy John surgery in May. This season, Hampton reached 92-94 mph on his fastball; in the past that reached 97 mph,

Hampton seems he is a solid lottery ticket pickup for the Cardinals. If Hampton sticks on the Cardinals 40-man roster, could be end up as a reliever? 

The Cardinals 40-man roster now stands at 39. 
 

St. Louis Blues claim Justin Barron

The St. Louis Blues have claimed defenseman Justin Barron off of waivers from the Nashville Predators. Barron, 24, played 52 games with 9 assists, 9 points, and a -1 with the Predators in 2025-2026. 

Barron had his best season in 2022-2023, with the Montreal Canadiens. That season, Barron played 39 games with 4 goals, 11 assists, 15 points, and a -2. The assists and points were both career highs for Barron. 

In 2023-2024, Barron had a career high (7) goals. 

Barron played a career high (62) games in 2024-2025, combined btween the Canadiens and Predators. 

Overall, Barron has played 5 NHL seasons. Barron has played 208 games with 18 goals, 34 assists, 52 points, and a -27. 

Barron is a former 1st round pick (25th overall) by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2020 NHL Draft. 

Barron could be a good pickup by the Blues. 
 

St. Louis Cardinals promote Cooper Hjerpe

 

The Cardinals have promoted starting pitcher Cooper Hjerpe from Triple-A Memphis. To make room for Hjerpe on the active roster the Cardinals have optioned RHP Hancel Rincon to Triple-A Memphis. Hjerpe, 25, is currently 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA, 15 games, 15 starts, 42 innings, 61 strikeouts, 32 walks, and a whip of 1.26 combined between the Florida Complex League, Low-A Palm Beach, Double-A Springfield, and Triple-A Memphis.

Hjerpe had his best season in 2024, combined between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield. That season, Hjerpe was 2-4 with a 3.27 ERA, 52.1 innings, 76 strikeouts, 28 walks, and a whip of 1.13. The wins tied a career high from 2023 for Hjerpe. The games, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Hjerpe.

Overall, Hjerpe is currently in his 3rd minor league season. Hjerpe is 4-8 with a 3.26 ERA, 40 games, 38 starts, 1 hold, 135.1 innings, 188 strikeouts, 85 walks, and a whip of 1.20.

Hjerpe is currently the Cardinals 18th best prospect.

Hjerpe will wear no.56.

Hjerpe will serve as a piggyback behind starting pitcher Kyle Leahy. 

St. Louis Cardinals to promote Hancel Rincon

The Cardinals plan to promote RHP Hancel Rincon from Triple-A Memphis. Rincon, 24, is currently 6-6 with a 4.03 ERA, 42 games, 3 starts, 3 holds, 1 save, 73.2 innings, 90 strikeouts, 31 walks, and a whip of 1.24 combined between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis in 2026. The games, holds and save are all career highs for Rincon.

Rincon had his best season in 2024, with High-A Peoria. That season, Rincon was 9-7 with a 3.80 ERA, 24 games, 24 starts, 132.2 innings, 105 strikeouts, 48 walks, and a whip of 1.31. The wins and innings tied career highs from 2023 for Rincon. The starts were a career high for Rincon.

In 2025, combined between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield, Rincon had a career high (108) strikeouts.

Overall, Rincon is currently in his 7th minor league season. Rincon is 32-39 with a 3.62 ERA, 150 games, 99 starts, 4 holds, 1 save, 599 innings, 553 strikeouts, 182 walks, and a whip of 1.19.

Rincon's nickname is "El chchillo", which in English means "the Knife".

Rincon is expected to join the Cardinals on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Rincon will wear no.66.

 

St. Louis Cardinals to promote Leo Bernal

 

The Cardinals plan to call up catcher Leo Bernal from Triple-A Memphis. Bernal, 22, is currently hitting .278 with 67 runs, 104 hits, 19 doubles, 2 triples, 16 home runs, 77 RBI's, 9 stolen bases, and 51 walks in 2026. The batting average, runs, hits, home runs, RBI's, and walks are all career highs for Bernal.

In 2024, combined between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield, Bernal had a career high (2) triples.

Bernal had career highs in both doubles (19) and stolen bases (13) in 2025, with Double-A Springfield. Bernal also won the 2025 Minor League Gold Glove Award at catcher.

Overall, Bernal is currently in his 6th minor league season. Bernal has played 485 games with 263 runs, 448 hits, 88 doubles, 7 triples, 55 home runs, 306 RBI's, 37 stolen bases, 221 walks, and a .257 batting average.

Bernal currently ranks as the Cardinals 7th best prospect.

Bernal is expected to make his MLB debut on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bernal will wear no.13.

St. Louis Cardinals promote Cade Winquest

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have promoted RHP Cade Winquest from Triple-A Memphis. Winquest, 26, is currently 3-1 with a 4.54 ERA, 33 games, 1 hold, 39.2 innings, 57 strikeouts, 14 walks, and a whip of 1.16 in 2026. The games are a career high for Winquest.

Winquest had his best season in 2025, combined between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield. That season, Winquest was 5-7 with a 3.99 ERA, 25 games, 23 starts, 1 hold, 106 innings, 110 strikeouts, 39 walks, and a whip of 1.36. The wins, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Winquest.

In 2024, with High-A Peoria, Winquest had career highs in both holds (1) and saves (1).

Overall, Winquest is currently in his 4th minor league season. Winquest is 11-17 with a 4.24 ERA, 91 games, 38 starts, 3 holds, 1 save, 252.1 innings, 276 strikeouts, 106 walks, and a whip of 1.32.

To make room for Winquest on the active roster the Cardinals have placed RHP Peter Strzelecki (fight forearm extensor inflammation) on the 15-day IL. Winquest will wear no.63. Winquest can reach 100 miles per hour on his fastball.

This will be Winquest's 2nd time in the MLB. Winquest made the New York Yankees Opening Day roster but was designated for assignment on April 10, 2026, without appearing in a game.

Winquest was returned to the Cardinals on April 13, 2026. 

St. Louis Cardinals to promote Joshua Baez

 

The Cardinals will promote outfielder Joshua Baez from Triple-A Memphis, and he is expected to be in the starting lineup on Saturday at Wrigley Field. Baez, 23, is currently hitting .256 with 79 runs, 105 hits, 22 doubles, 3 triples, 34 home runs, 90 RBI's, 21 stolen bases, and 37 walks in 2026. The runs, home runs, and RBI's are all career highs for Baez.

Baez had career highs in hits (120), doubles (23), stolen bases (54), and walks (59) in 2025, combined between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield.

Baez currently ranks as the Cardinals 3rd best prospect.

Overall, Baez is currently in his 6th minor league season. Baez has played 452 games with 279 runs, 397 hits, 88 doubles, 12 triples, 78 home runs, 275 RBI's, 149 stolen bases, 203 walks, and a .251 batting average.

Baez still needs to improve on a few things, but it will be nice seeing what he can do in the MLB. It will also be great having Jon Jay working with Baez on his defense. 

St. Louis Cardinals claim Everson Pereira

The St. Louis Cardinals have claimed outfielder Everson Pereira off of waivers from the Chicago White Sox. Pereira, 25, is currently hitting .225 with 8 runs, 18 hits, 5 doubles, 4 home runs, 11 RBI's, 1 stolen base, and 5 walks in 2026. The runs, hits, doubles, home runs, and RBI's are all career highs for Pereira. 

In 2023, with the New York Yankees, Pereira had career highs in both stolen bases (4) and walks (8).

Overall, Pereira is currently in his 3rd MLB season. Pereira has played 77 games with 21 runs, 41 hits, 10 doubles, 6 home runs, 29 RBI's, 7 stolen bases, 20 walks, and a .172 batting average. 

Pereira is out of options, and the Cardinals will need to clear a spot on the active roster to make room for him. 

Pereira is a former top 100 guy from Baseball America. Pereira has shown big potential before but comes with a lot of strikeouts. 

Could claiming Pereria mean that Jordan Walker goes to the IL? Walker has missed the last 2 games due to knee inflammation. There's a good chance that Pereira could see playing time with the Cardinals. 

 

St. Louis Cardinals trade Lars Nootbaar

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded outfielder Lars Nootbaar to the Arizona Diamondbacks for starting pitcher Daniel Eagen, left-handed reliever Sandro Santana, and a player to be named later. Nootbaar, 28, is currently hitting .234 with 22 runs, 37 hits, 8 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs, 16 RBI's, 1 stolen base, and 24 walks in 2026.

Nootbaar had his best season in 2023. That season, Nootbaar hit .261 with 74 runs, 111 hits, 23 doubles, 1 triple, 14 home runs, 46 RBI's, 11 stolen bases, and 72 walks. The batting average, runs, stolen bases, and walks were all career highs for Nootbaar. 

In 2022, Nootbaar had career highs in both triples (3) and home runs (14). 

Nootbaar had career highs in hits (119), doubles (24), and RBI's (48).

Overall, Nootbaar is currently in his 6th MLB season. Nootbaar has played 575 games with 271 runs, 444 hits, 92 doubles, 10 triples, 61 home runs, 210 RBI's, 29 stolen bases, 276 walks, and a .241 batting average.

Eagen, 23, is currently 5-8 with a 4.95 ERA, 20 games, 20 starts, 87.1 innings, 109 strikeouts, 34 walks, and a whip of 1.31 with Double-A Amarillo in 2026.

Eagen had his best season in 2025. That season, Eagen was 7-8 with a 2.99 ERA, 23 games, 23 starts, 117.1 innings, 153 strikeouts, 52 walks, and a whip of 1.12 combined between High-A Hillsboro and Double-A Amarillo. The wins, games, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Eagen. The ERA was also a career best for Eagen.

Eagen ranked as the Diamondbacks 5th best prospect. 

Overall, Eagen is currently in his 2nd minor league season. Eagen is 12-16 with a 3.83 ERA, 43 games, 43 starts, 204.2 innings, 262 strikeouts, 86 walks, and a whip of 1.20.

Santana, 21, is currently 5-2 with a 2.14 ERA, 31 games, 4 holds, 4 saves, 46.1 innings, 70 strikeouts, 20 walks, and a whip of 1.10 combined between High-A Hillsboro and Double-A Amarillo in 2026. The wins, games, holds, saves, and strikeouts are all career highs for Santana. The ERA is also a career best for Santana. 

In 2025, combined between the Arizona Complex League and Single-A Visalia, Santana had a career high (59.1) innings. 

Santana ranked as the Diamondbacks 26th best prospect. Santana can reach 95-97 miles per hour with his fastball. 

Santana is currently in his 4th minor league season. Santana is 13-9 with a 3.46 ERA, 75 games, 4 starts, 8 holds, 8 saves, 153.1 innings, 186 strikeouts, 81 walks, and a whip of 1.30.

Nootbaar is signed through 2027. The Diamondbacks get a player who should be able to help their lineup in Nootbaar. When healthy, Nootbaar is a good player. 

The Cardinals get a solid return with Eagen and Santana. Eagen and Santana should be able to help the Cardinals at some point in the future. 

St. Louis Cardinals acquire Caleb Ferguson

The St. Louis Cardinals have acquired left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson from the Cincinnati Reds for $250,000 in international bonus space. Ferguson, 30, is currently 1-0 with a 4.01 ERA, 26 games, 1 start, 3 holds, 1 save, 24.2 innings, 22 strikeouts, 11 walks, and a whip of 1.50 in 2026. 

Ferguson had his best season in 2023, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. That season, Fergson was 7-4 with a 3.43 ERA, 68 games, 7 starts, 17 holds, 3 saves, 60.1 innings, 70 strikeouts, 23 walks, and a whip of 1.15. The wins, starts, holds, saves, and strikeouts were all career highs for Ferguson. 

In 2025, combined between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners, Ferguson had career highs in both games (70) and innings (65.1). 

Overall, Ferguson is currently in his 8th MLB season. Ferugson is 25-17 with a 3.69 ERA, 359 games, 15 starts, 68 holds, 7 saves, 351.2 innings, 387 strikeouts, 140 walks, and a whip of 1.31. In Ferguson's career against him, left-handed hitters hit .225 and right-handed hitters hit .249.

Ferguson can be a free agent after the season. 
 

St. Louis Cardinals trade Dustin May, JoJo Romero

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded starting pitcher Dustin May, and left-handed reliever JoJo Romero to the Milwaukee Brewers for outfielder Josiah Ragsdale, and outfielder Alexander Frias. May, 28, is currently 5-7 with a 4.38 ERA, 21 games, 21 starts, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 109 innings, 106 strikeouts, 35 walks, and a whip of 1.28 in 2026. The complete game and shutout are both career highs for May. May also has 10 quality starts, which tie a career high from 2025.

May had a career high (4) holds in 2019, with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In 2020, May helped the Dodgers win the World Series. 

May had his best season in 2025, combined between the Dodgers and Boston Red Sox. That season, May was 7-11 with a 4.96 ERA, 25 games, 23 starts, 132.1 innings, 123 strikeouts, 56 walks, and a whip of 1.42. The wins, games, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for May.

Overall, May is currently in his 7th MLB season. May is 24-27 with a 3.99 ERA, 92 games, 78 starts, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 5 holds, 433 innings, 403 strikeouts, 148 walks, and a whip of 1.22.

Romero, 29, is currently 1-3 with a 3.35 ERA, 44 games, 20 holds, 43 innings, 43 strikeouts, 16 walks, and a whip of 1.30.

May had his best season in 2025. That season, May was 4-5 with a 2.07 ERA, 65 games, 24 holds, 8 saves, 61 innings, 55 strikeouts, 29 walks, and a whip of 1.25. The saves, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Romero. The ERA was also a career best for Romero. 

In 2024, Romero had career highs in wins (7), games (65), and holds (30). 

Overall, Romero is currently in his 7th MLB season. Romero is 16-14 with a 3.51 ERA, 241 games, 84 holds, 12 saves, 235.2 innings, 226 strikeouts, 87 walks, and a whip of 1.24.

Ragsdale, 22, is currently hitting .316 with 85 runs, 98 hits, 21 doubles, 2 triples, 19 home runs, 51 RBI's, 31 stolen bases, and 67 walks combined between High-A Wisconsin and Double-A Biloxi in 2026. The batting average, runs, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, RBI's stolen bases, and walks are wall career highs for Ragsdale.

Ragsdale ranked as the Brewers 13th best prospect. 

Overall, Ragsdale is currently in his 2nd minor league season. Ragsdale has played 108 games with 100 runs, 119 hits, 22 doubles, 2 triples, 19 home runs, 57 RBI's, 40 stolen bases, 83 walks, and a .313 batting average.

Frias, 18, is currently hitting .342 with 52 runs, 78 hits, 16 doubles, 4 triples, 8 home runs, 62 RBI's, 19 stolen bases, and 29 walks combined between the Arizona Complex Leagues and Single-A Wilson. The batting average, runs, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, RBI's, stolen bases, and walks are all career highs for Frias.

Frias ranked as the Brewers 11th best prospect.

Overall, Frias is currently in his 2nd minor league season. Frias has played 87 games with 74 runs, 108 hits, 21 doubles, 4 triples, 9 home runs, 79 RBI's, 26 stolen bases, 43 walks, and a .334 batting average.

The Brewers upgrade their starting rotation and bullpen with the additions of Dustin May and JoJo Romero. May and Romero can be free agents after the season. 

On paper the Cardinals get a great return with Ragsdale and Frias. It's shocking that the Brewers would give up two top prospects for two rentals. There's a chance that Ragsdale could become a centerfield option for the Cardinals in the future. 

 

St. Louis Blues extend Connor McMichael

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed center Connor McMichael to a six-year contract extension, worth $40.5 million. McMichael, 25, played 78 games with 14 goals, 32 assists, 46 points, and a plus 8 with the Washington Capitals in 2025-2026. The assists were a career high for McMichael.

McMichael had his best season in 2024-2025. That season. McMichael played 82 games with 26 goals, 31 assists, 57 points, and a plus 19. The games, goals, points, and plus mark were all career highs for McMichael.

Overall, McMichael has played 6 NHL seasons. McMichael has played 315 games with 67 goals, 87 assists, 154 points, and a plus 4. In the playoffs, McMichael has played 18 games with 5 goals, 3 assists, and 8 points. 

The Blues acquired McMichael from the Capitals on June 23, 2026, along with Milton Gastrin and a 2026 1st-round pick for center Jordan Kyrou. 
 

St. Louis Cardinals extend JJ Wetherholt

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed second baseman JJ Wetherholt to an eight-year contract extension, worth $112.5 million. The contract includes $19.5 million in performance bonuses. From the performance bonuses, the contract could end up being worth $132 million. 

Wetherholt, 23, is currently hitting .267 with 57 runs, 91 hits, 10 doubles, 13 home runs, 36 RBI's, 9 stolen bases, and 38 walks in 2026. 

Overall, Wetherholt is currently in his 1st MLB season. 

Wetherholt has developed himself into one of the top rookies this season in the MLB. It's great to see the Chaim Bloom reward Wetherholt with a long-term contract extension. Could the Cardinals extend first baseman Alec Burleson or right fielder Jordan Walker next?

St. Louis Blues sign Dillon Dube

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The St. Louis Blues have signed center Dillon Dube to a one-year, one-way contract, worth $850,000. Dube, 27, signed a professional tryout contract with the (AHL) Springfield Thunderbirds on December 10, 2025. 

Dube ended up playing 46 games with 20 goals, 17 assists, 37 points, and a -1 with the Thunderbirds.  In the playoffs, Dube played 12 games with 5 goals, 3 assists, 8 points, and a -3.

Dube last played in NHL in 2023-2024, with the Calgary Flames. That season, Dube played 43 games with 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 points, and a -13. 

Dube had his best season in 2022-2023. That season, Dube played 82 games with 18 goals, 27 assists, 45 points, and a -6. The games, assists, and points were all career highs for Dube. The goals tied a career high from 2021-2022 for Dube.

Overall, Dube has played 325 games with 57 goals, 70 assists, 127 points, and a -17. In the playoffs, Dube has played 22 games with 4 goals, 2 assists, 5 points, and a -1. 

 Dube could end up being a good signing for the Blues. Dube became a fan favorite with the Thunderbirds.

St. Louis Blues sign Ross Johnston

 

 

The St. Louis Blues have signed left wing Ross Johnston to a three-year contract, worth $6 million. Johnston, played 62 games with 3 goals, 11 assists, and 14 points with the Anaheim Ducks in 2025-2026. The assists and points were both career highs for Johnston. The goals tied a career high from 2017-2018 for Johnston. 

 

Johnston played a career high (68) games in 2023-2024. 

 

Overall, Johnston has played 10 NHL seasons. Johnson has played 307 games with 14 goals, 32 assists, 46 points, and a -17. In the playoffs, Johnston has played 10 games with a -1. 

 

Johnston reunited with former Ducks teammates defenseman Cam Fowler and center Mason McTavish. Johnston is also reunited with former Ducks head coach Greg Cronin (Blues assistant coach). 

 

The Blues add some toughness and grit to their roster with the addition of Johnston. The Blues have needed some toughness and grit. 

St. Louis Blues re-sign Jonatan Berggren

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed right wing Jonatan Berggren to a one-year contract extension, worth $2 million. Berggren, 25, played 51 games with 8 goals, 14 assists, 22 points, and a -5 combined between the Detroit Red Wings and Blues in 2025-2026. The assists were a career high for Berggren. 

The Blues claimed Berggren off waivers from the Red Wings on December 17, 2025 after struggling to start the season. Berggren then re-found life with the Blues. Berggren played 36 games with 6 goals, 10 assists, 16 points, and a -2. 

Berggren had his best season in 2022-2023. That season, Berggren played 67 games with 15 goals, 13 assists, 28 points, and a -14. The goals and points were both career highs for Berggren.

 Overall, Berggren has played 4 NHL seasons. Berggren has played 205 games with 37 goals, 43 assists, 80 points, and a -33. 

It's good to see the Blues keep Berggren around for another season. Berggren turned out to be a great surprise off waivers. It should be interesting to see if Berggren can keep the success he found with the Blues heading into the 2026-2027 season.  

St. Louis Blues acquire Brandon Carlo

 

The St. Louis Blues have traded picks traded picks no.73 and no.76 in the 2026 NHL Draft to the Toronto Maple Leafs for defenseman Brandon Carlo. Carlo, 29, played 55 games with 7 assists, 7 points, and a plus 4 in 2025-2026.

Carlo had his best season in 2019-2020, with the Boston Bruins. That season, Carlo played 67 games with 4 goals, 15 assists, 19 points, and a plus 16. The assists and points were both career highs for Carlo. 

In 2016-2017, Carlo had a career high (6) goals. 

Carlo played a career high (83) games in 2024-2025, combined between the Bruins and Maple Leafs.

Overall, Carlo has played 10 NHL seasons. Carlo has played 692 games with 29 goals, 90 assists, 119 points, and a plus 137. In the playoffs, Carlo has played 85 games with 5 goals, 9 assists, 14 points, and a plus 7. 

Carlo is entering the final year of a six-year contract that he signed with the Bruins on July 14, 2021. 

Carlo should help the Blues on defense and be a stop gap until Adam Jiricek is NHL ready. The Blues now have Logan Mailloux, Colton Parayko, and Carlo on the right side. 

The Blues defense pairings look to be 

Philip Broberg - Mailloux

Cam Fowler - Parayko

Tyler Tucker - Carlo

Extra - Matthew Kessel

Carlo is also reunited with former Bruins head coach and current Blues head coach Jim Montgomery. Montgomery coached Carlo for 3 seasons with the Bruins (2022-2025). Carlo was an alternate captain with the Bruins. 

St. Louis Blues acquire Mason McTavish

The St. Louis Blues have traded their 15th overall pick and 29th overall pick in tonight's NHL draft to the Anaheim Ducks for center Mason McTavish. McTavish, 23, played 75 games with 17 goals, 24 assists, 41 points, and a -15 in 2025-2026.

McTavish had his best season in 2024-2025. That season, McTavish played 76 games with 22 goals, 30 assists, and 52 points. The goals, assists, and points were all career highs for McTavish.

In 2022-2023, McTavish played a career high (80) games.

Overall, McTavish has played 5 NHL seasons. McTavish has played 304 games with 77 goals, 104 assists, 181 points, and a -54. In the playoffs, McTavish has played 10 games with 1 goal, 5 assists, 6 points, and a plus 1. 

McTavish is reunited with former Ducks teammate defenseman Cam Fowler and former Ducks head coach Greg Cronin (now a Blues assistant coach).

McTavish has the potential to be a good addition for the Blues roster. McTavish had success under Cronin when he was the Ducks head coach. 
 

St. Louis Blues trade Jordan Kyrou

 

The St. Louis Blues have traded center Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals for center Connor McMichael, center Milton Gastrin, and the Capitals 1st-round 2026 pick (16th overall) in the NHL Draft. Kyrou, 28, played 72 games with 18 goals, 28 assists, 46 points, and a -5 in 2025-2026. 

Kyrou had his best season in 2021-2022. That season, Kyrou was an All-Star and played 74 games with 27 goals, 48 assists, 75 points, and a plus 10. The assists and points were both career highs for Kyrou. 

In 2022-2023, Kyrou had a career high (37) goals. 

Kyrou played a career high (82) games in 2023-024. 

Overall, Kyrou has played 8 NHL seasons. Kyrou has played 488 games with 168 goals, 210 assists, 378 points, and a -21. In the playoffs, Kyrou has played 28 games with 11 goals, 2 assists, 13 points, and a -12. 

McMichael, 25, played 78 games with 14 goals, 32 assists, 46 points, and a plus 8 in 2025-2026. The assists were a career high for McMichael. 

McMichael had his best season in 2024-2025. That season, McMichael played 82 games with 26 goals, 31 assists, 57 points, and a plus 19. The games, goals, points, and plus mark were all career highs for McMichael. 

Overall, McMichael has played 6 NHL seasons. McMichael has played 315 games with 67 goals, 87 assists, 154 points, and a plus 4. In the playoffs, McMichael has played 18 games with 5 goals, 3 assists, and 8 points. 

Gastrin, 19, was drafted by the Capitals in the 2nd round (37th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft. Gastrin played 39 games with 10 goals, 14 assists 24 points, and a plus 2 with MoDo Hockey Ornskoldsvik (Swedish Hockey League) in 2025-2026.

The Blues got a good return for Kyrou. McMichael played on the Capitals 2nd line last season and is a good middle six center. Gastrin can make plays around the net. 

It should be interesting to see if the Blues make any other trades before or during the NHL Draft on Friday. The Blues now have four 1st-round picks on Friday night (no.11, no.15, no.16, and no.29).

St. Louis Cardinals trade Chris Roycroft

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded RHP Chris Roycroft to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations or a player to be named later. Roycroft, 29, is currently 0-0 with a 15.19 ERA, 7 games, 5.1 innings, 4 strikeouts, 8 walks, and a whip of in 2026.

Roycroft had his best season in 2024. That season, Roycroft was 1-2 with a 4.19 ERA, 27 games, 1 hold, 34.1 innings, 33 strikeouts, 17 walks, and a whip of 1.84. The wins, games, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Roycroft. 

In 2025, Roycroft had a career high (2) holds. 

Overall, Roycroft is currently in his 3rd MLB season. Roycroft is 2-5 with a 6.41 ERA, 54 games, 3 holds, 60.1 innings, 52 strikeouts. 37 walks, and a whip of 1.77.

The Rays hope that a change of scenery can help Roycroft. Roycroft showed some flashes in 2024 that he could be good.