Lukewarm Stove: Nats Won’t Attach Corbin to Soto, Padres-Cubs Smoke, Pumping the Cardinals-Soto Brakes? Montas and Castillo, More

Usually, the nightmares start when I go to bed, not when I wake up. But today? We started our morning with a bucket of ice water and an even colder slap to the face: The Cardinals and Nationals are reportedly exchanging names on a Juan Soto Trade.

You can check out the post for all the details, but that story made me ruminate on all of the massive traded the Cardinals have pulled off over the years: Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, Adam Wainwright, Mark McGwire, Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds, Matt Holliday, Jason Heyward, Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado and they also had a deal lined up for Giancarlo Stanton before he shot it down with his no-trade clause.

The more recent deals also make me wonder if they’ve identified a bit of a market inefficiency in trading for stars during an era in which teams are overvaluing prospects. Something to think about.

No Patrick Corbin in the Soto Deal?

Pervasive in the wake of Juan Soto rumors has been the idea of Washington attaching a struggling (6.02 ERA) and expensive ($59M due after this season with a $23M salary this year) Patrick Corbin to the trade. Even though that would necessarily weaken the return for Soto, I had understood the logic IF the Nationals were committed to spending those savings this offseason.

But ever since the Cardinals got involved I have changed my tune. If they really are going to get Soto I don’t want them to be able to reduce the prospect cost by taking on Corbin. And it seems my prayers have been answered.

Thank all the baseball gods. If that team in St. Louis is going to get Soto, it better freakin’ HURT.

Pumping the Cardinals-Soto Brakes?

But for what it’s worth, while The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is confirming that the Cardinals have explored trades for Juan Soto, there is some brake-pumping:

Three sources outside the Cardinals familiar with the trade market described the Cardinals as best positioned with prospects to make a bid for Soto. The Cardinals have recently adopted a more conservative approach at the deadline. There also is the clear benefit of the Nats setting a high price at the trade deadline to see if a teamโ€™s urgency takes over and, if not met, the likelihood Soto remains with the Nationals until an offseason auction.

The Cardinalsโ€™ focus has been on their glaring need: pitching.

But don’t get too excited just yet. Because in that same article, there’s a discussion of the Cardinals eyeing the surprisingly available, talented, and cost-controlled Tarik Skubal from the Tigers. That’s not at the same level of Soto, of course, but Skubal is very good and is exactly what the Cardinals need. Skubal, 25, is under control through the 2026 season.

So … Padres and Cubs, Then?

At The Athletic, a staff of writers came together to discuss their informed trade deadline predictions. It’s a really enjoyable read, especially because it includes a Cardinals section NOT about them trading for Soto, a Nationals section about Soto going to the Yankees, and Cubs section about them making a big deal with the Padres via Patrick Mooney

The Cubs will make a trade with the Padres, following a pattern that goes back several years …. Given A.J. Prellerโ€™s aggressive track record in San Diego, and the availability of All-Stars Willson Contreras and Ian Happ plus several experienced Cubs pitchers, it would be more surprising if both sides didnโ€™t find another match by the Aug. 2 deadline.

that was reciprocated in the Padres section by Dennis Lin:

The Padres acquire Willson Contreras. โ€ฆ Predicting what A.J. Preller will do is often a futile exercise. The Padresโ€™ president of baseball operations routinely pursues every big name imaginable, even ones who might not appear available. That said, there donโ€™t seem to be many game-changing position players on the market …. And hereโ€™s guessing that they gladly settle for Contreras, who would represent a significant offensive upgrade at the catching position. The Padres and the Cubs have an extensive history as dance partners in trade discussions, and each side can provide what the other seeks.

There is A LOT in that article worth your attention, including some confirmation of other known Cubs rumors. So check it out.

Luis Castillo and Frankie Montas

At ESPN, Jeff Passan discusses the market for the top two starting pitchers firmly on the trade market, Luis Castillo and Frankie Montas, which includes the St. Louis Cardinals: “They will both almost certainly move in the next week, and there is no shortage of interest. Among the teams hottest after them, according to sources: The St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees. The Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres also have been on the hunt for pitching.”

Your hope is that the Cardinals really do prefer to add starting pitching, because while they could conceivably add a starter *and* Soto, my gut tells me they won’t empty the farm THAT much at one deadline. Indeed, Passan hears that a starter “might be the priority over even a Soto acquisition.”

With that said, there are lesser (and less costly) options available on the market that could help like Jose Quintana or Noah Syndergaard, both of whom are having fine seasons.

Odds and Ends:

  • Passan also confirms that David Robertson is the best reliever out there, with a particular focus on the Yankees, who have always felt like the No. 1 outcome IF Robertson isn’t otherwise packaged in a deal with Willson Contreras or Ian Happ.

  • Jon Heyman did the podacst thing, talking about a whole bunch of trade concepts, including the Mets and Willson Contreras.

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written by

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

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The Chicago Cubs, ostensibly still in the market for a free-agent third baseman, will watch one option fall off the board tonight. Former White Sox third baseman - and offseason Cubs target - Yoan Moncada is reportedly signing a modest...

Resetting the Chicago Cubs’ Excessively Crowded Bullpen Picture

Given the Ryan Brasier trade potentially capping off the Chicago Cubs' bullpen moves for the offseason, and given how much movement there has been in that group this offseason, I thought it worth a reset just to see where the...

Let’s Look at the Cubs Payroll and Roster Implications of Signing Alex Bregman

Based on some scattered quotes from ownership โ€” as well as where Jed Hoyer's front office wound up last season โ€” our initial expectation for the Cubs 2025 payroll was right around the first tier of the luxury tax threshold (up...

Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch: Still Holding Out for Maximum-Length Deal?

It has felt for a few days like maybe there was a thaw coming in the Alex Bregman/Scott Boras demands for a maximum-length deal in order to finally put pen to paper in free agency, but maybe that was just...

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Bronzetti vs. Siniakova Prediction at the Winners Open – Saturday, February 8

In the Winners Open semifinals on Saturday, Lucia Bronzetti takes on Katerina Siniakova.Against the underdog Siniakova (+100), Bronzetti is favored (-130) to advance.Winners Open InfoTournament: The Winners OpenRound: SemifinalsDate: Saturday, February 8Venue: BT ArenaLocation: Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaCourt Surface: HardLucia Bronzetti vs....

Alcaraz vs. Hurkacz Prediction at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament – Saturday, February 8

On Saturday, Carlos Alcaraz (No. 3 in the world) faces Hubert Hurkacz (No. 21) in the semifinals at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament.In this matchup versus Hurkacz (+340), Alcaraz is the favorite with -500 odds.ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament...

Dallas Open Schedule Saturday, February 8: Matchups & TV/Live Stream Info

There are two matches at the Dallas Open today, the best being No. 54-ranked Denis Shapovalov against No. 9 Tommy Paul. The Tennis Channel provides live coverage and highlights of all the major moments across tournaments during Center Court and...

Sacramento State vs. Idaho Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Sacramento State Hornets (10-13) will try to end a three-game home losing streak when they host the Idaho Vandals (16-6) on February 8, 2025 at The Nest.Sacramento State lost its most recent game to Eastern Washington, 68-53, on Thursday....

How to Watch UNLV Rebels vs. New Mexico Lobos Women’s Basketball: Live Stream or on TV

The UNLV Rebels (18-5) will host the New Mexico Lobos (13-11) after winning eight home games in a row.UNLV won its previous game against Utah State, 89-51, on Wednesday. Meadow Roland starred with 16 points, and also had seven boards...

Montana vs. Northern Arizona Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Montana Grizzlies (10-12) will attempt to extend a three-game win streak when they host the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (18-6) on February 8, 2025 at Dahlberg Arena.On Thursday, in its last game, Montana beat Northern Colorado 70-64. With 21 points,...

CSU Northridge vs. Long Beach State Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Long Beach State Beach (11-10) will try to end a four-game losing streak when they hit the road to take on the CSU Northridge Matadors (4-17) on February 8, 2025 at Premier America Credit Union Arena.On Thursday, in its...

Utah vs. UCF Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The UCF Knights (8-13) aim to end a five-game road losing streak when they visit the Utah Utes (17-5) on February 8, 2025.Utah was victorious in its previous game against Texas Tech, 70-64, on Wednesday. Jenna Johnson led the way...

How to Watch Texas Southern Tigers vs. Florida A&M Rattlers Women’s Basketball: Live Stream or on TV

The Texas Southern Tigers (11-10) aim to continue a 10-game winning streak when they host the Florida A&M Rattlers (8-13) on February 8, 2025 at H&PE Arena.In its most recent game, Texas Southern beat Bethune-Cookman on Thursday, 64-57. Its high...

Harvard vs. Dartmouth Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Dartmouth Big Green (8-12) will look to break a five-game losing streak when they hit the road to take on the Harvard Crimson (16-3) on February 8, 2025 at Lavietes Pavilion.In its most recent game, Harvard topped Cornell on...

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