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Frankie Montas trade rumors: St. Louis Cardinals favorites for Oakland A’s starter

By David Hill

Jun 28, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Frankie Montas (47) pitches in the third inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Frankie Montas (47) pitches in the third inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /
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There are going to be plenty of trade rumors swirling around Frankie Montas. It makes sense – he is easily the most valuable trade chip on the Oakland A’s. As he is a top of the rotation arm with just over a year of control left on a team that is clearly rebuilding, Montas is likely to be traded.

It is also understandable that plenty of teams are going to be interested in his services. However, according to Buster Olney, there may be a new frontrunner. The St. Louis Cardinals are considered by several rival executives as a favorite to land Montas by the trade deadline.

St. Louis Cardinals could use Frankie Montas going forward

Montas has done his part for the A’s. He had posted a 3.20 ERA and a 1.077 WHiP in his 95.2 innings entering Saturday, striking out 99 batters with 24 walks. His ability to take the ball every fifth day, strike out over a batter per inning, and limit walks makes him the type of pitcher that teams would covet.

That would certainly be the case with the Cardinals as well. They need to add another arm to their rotation this season, especially as injuries have caused havoc on the pitching staff. Montas would be a solid arm to slot with Miles Mikolas, Adam Wainwright, and Steven Matz once he returns from the Injured List.

The additional year of team control would also be a major draw for the Cardinals. Adam Wainwright is expected to retire after this season, leaving a large hole in their rotation. Montas would be a relative bargain compared to finding a similar arm in free agency, allowing St. Louis to focus on other areas.

But it all depends on what they offer the A’s. The Cardinals are not known for moving their top prospects unless they can land an impact player. However, with plenty of teams involved in the conversation, including the Dodgers’ known interest, the A’s may be able to land one of the Cardinals’ top prospects if a deal is made.

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Frankie Montas is going to generate plenty of attention at the trade deadline. Right now, the St. Louis Cardinals are expected to be the favorites for his services.