While the Cubs engage in trade talks of their own, the Cardinals are moving toward a deal with the Marlins for an outfielder, even if not the one they originally targeted.
According to Derrick Goold, those rumors last night about the Cardinals feeling “optimistic” and “momentum” probably do have something to do with talks about Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna: “At the same time the Cardinals acknowledged their ‘optimism,’ sources indicated Miami felt it had momentum to move Ozuna, this past year’s Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner in left field. The match is obvious …. The Marlins have a known interest in Cardinals pitching prospects Sandy Alcantara and Jack Flaherty, and sources said the Cardinals can still make the preferred offer to Miami for Ozuna. An outfielder from the Cardinals’ stockpile could also be included.”
Ozuna broke out in a big way in 2017, and comes with two years of team control. He projects to make $10.9 million in 2018, and would be a significant addition to the middle of the Cardinals’ lineup for the next couple years. If the trade costs the Cardinals both Alcantara and Flaherty, plus one of Stephen Piscotty or Randal Grichuk, though, that’s an extremely steep price. I’m not saying you want to see the Cardinals pull it off, because it would be a clear upgrade to their roster, but I’m just saying, if they do it, at least it’ll be painful.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals have long been connected in trade talks to Rays closer Alex Colome, so it’s possible he’s simply monitoring things, but:
Alex Colome follows only 23 accounts on Instagram. His four latest are interesting … pic.twitter.com/RQoAZTljQb
— Drew Silva (@drewsilv) December 13, 2017
Colome, himself, either winked at the whole thing, or was legitimately debunking it:
https://twitter.com/AlexanderColome/status/940872907600875520
It’s all in good fun either way. Just don’t slide into Carlos Marlinez’s favorites on Twitter and you’ll be fine.
UPDATE: I think this Ozuna thing might happen, folks:
#STLCards making progress on acquiring Ozuna from the #Marlins, sources tell The Athletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 13, 2017