The St. Louis Cardinals are exceeding expectations in so many ways this season, and with the MLB trade deadline about two months away, why not go all-in for the MLB playoffs if you’re Chaim Bloom?
Considering the team was thought to be in a rebuild mode before this season, it’s fair to think Bloom may not want to offload top prospects, but with rumors that San Francisco Giants starter Robbie Ray could be available because of his impending free agent status, the Cardinals have recently been floated as a ‘dream destination’ for the former AL Cy Young starter.
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Are the Cardinals in Play for Robbie Ray?
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 13: Robbie Ray #38 of the San Francisco Giants grabs the rosin bag from teammate Willy Adames #2 during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
In a recent trade rumors piece by FanSided.com’s Christopher Kline, the veteran MLB writer floats the Cardinals as the ‘dream destination’ for Robbie Ray:
“The Cardinals would offer Ray a change of scenery and a chance to join one of the most exciting young teams in baseball. There’s a whole new energy to this St. Louis squad — a youthful exuberance. Ray would bring veteran mentorship and postseason experience to a fledgling staff, hopefully stabilizing a Cardinals rotation that is still quite weak compared to other NL contenders.”
To piggyback off Kline, suggesting the Cardinals could be in play for Robbie Ray, a good trade package to send back to the Giants could include prospects LHP Brandon Clarke (#8 St. Louis prospect), and catcher prospect Jimmy Crooks.
It might be a great time for the Cardinals to make a move for Robbie Ray too, because his trade value could be tanking.
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Robbie Ray’s 2026 Season
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 19: Robbie Ray #38 of the San Francisco Giants pitches in the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
It hasn’t been the best season for Robbie Ray in 2026, but as Kline indicates, a change of scenery could be good news for the 34-year-old southpaw with 13 years of starting experience.
Over 62+ innings this season, Ray has posted a 4.45 ERA with 59 strikeouts.
He’s far removed from his 2021 CY Young campaign, but surely there’s some positive regression in store for Robbie Ray, and if not, again, he’s a serviceable starter that the Cardinals could get for *sort of* a discount to make a playoff push in August and September. The MLB trade deadline is Aug. 3 this season.
The reason Robbie Ray’s stock could be tanking is due to his recent performances. Three starts ago, he gave up nine earned runs in four innings to the Arizona Diamondbacks… Yikes.
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