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Tampa Bay Rays Looking at Additional Trade Involving St. Louis Cardinals

Originally posted on FanNation Fastball | By Brady Farkas | Last updated 1/5/24

On Friday, the Tampa Bay Rays struck a significant deal, sending slugger Luke Raley to the Seattle Mariners for infielder Jose Caballero.

It appears as if the Rays may not be done, as they are working on another deal with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Per Joel Sherman of the New York Post:

Hear that the Cardinals are in serious discussions to trade outfielder Richie Palacios to the Rays for pitcher Andrew Kittredge. Not a done deal yet. But working on it. Kittredge further addresses StL desire to deepen pitching staff. Palacios is LHH OF after TB dealt Raley.

Hear that the Cardinals are in serious discussions to trade outfielder Richie Palacios to the Rays for pitcher Andrew Kittredge. Not a done deal yet. But working on it. Kittredge further addresses StL desire to deepen pitching staff. Palacios is LHH OF after TB dealt Raley.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 5, 2024

First, it makes perfect sense why the Cardinals would want to acquire Kittredge. After finishing last in the National League Central in 2023, St. Louis is working to remake its entire pitching staff, signing veterans Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn to aid the starting rotation. Now, they are attacking the bullpen.

Kittredge is a 33-year-old righty who has spent parts of seven years in the big leagues - all with the Rays. He helped Tampa Bay get to the World Series during the 2020 season and made a career-high 57 appearances in 2021. He made the All-Star team that year as well.

Lifetime, he's 18-7 with a 3.65 ERA. He's made 181 career appearances. He'll be a free agent after the season.

As for Palacios, he's a 26-year-old who is under control through the 2029 season.

He made his major league debut in 2022 and hit .258 for the Cardinals in 2023. The lefty hitter played in 32 games, smacking six homers and driving in 16.

The Rays won 99 games and finished second in the American League East last season.

This article first appeared on FanNation Fastball and was syndicated with permission.

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