As the calendar flips to June, the notion of the St. Louis Cardinals parting ways with key players from their contending roster isn’t sitting well with their fanbase.
The latest buzz suggests the Cardinals might be considering moving on from a couple of veteran pitchers if their playoff aspirations start to dim. While losing these arms could be a blow, the Cardinals have some intriguing options waiting in the wings, particularly when it comes to JoJo Romero.
Romero, a lefty reliever, has been a hot topic in trade discussions since last season. With his contract set to expire and the Cardinals expected to be languishing in the standings, it seemed logical to trade him for future assets. However, with the team currently holding onto a Wild Card spot, there’s a growing sentiment to keep Romero in the fold, despite the allure of a potential prospect haul and the bullpen’s pressing needs.
Enter Brycen Mautz and Cooper Hjerpe, two promising left-handers who could inject some much-needed life into the Cardinals’ bullpen. According to insider Bob Nightengale, a deal involving Romero might materialize if the Cardinals fall out of playoff contention. But there’s an argument to be made for trading Romero regardless, given the potential for Mautz and Hjerpe to step up.
Mautz made a splash in his big league debut earlier this season, despite having never pitched in relief before. When a spot start was rained out, he seized the opportunity to shine, earning himself a brief stay with the big club.
Though he was sent back to Memphis to continue as a starter, the Cardinals’ rotation is holding its own, while the bullpen could use a boost. Mautz’s next stint in the majors might well be as a bullpen reinforcement.
The Cardinals might not even need to make a trade to see Mautz in action again. Justin Bruihl, the current second lefty in the bullpen, hasn’t been lighting it up, and if his struggles persist, manager Oli Marmol might be inclined to give Mautz a shot in the middle innings. Should Mautz impress, a Romero trade could elevate him to a more critical role, paving the way for Cooper Hjerpe’s return.
Hjerpe, a lefty first-round pick, is on the mend from Tommy John surgery and has just started his season in the minors. With the trade deadline looming, he has a window to build up his strength and prove he’s ready for the majors. Although Hjerpe hasn’t pitched above Double-A, the Cardinals could benefit from his presence on the 40-man roster, utilizing his unique delivery in strategic matchups as the season winds down.
Both Mautz and Hjerpe have primarily been starters in their young careers, but the bullpen offers a faster track to the majors. If the Cardinals can tap into their potential, they might just find the spark they need to make a serious playoff push.