Cardinals should consider trading this reliever before he hits the open market

Contributor
Jared Bloom
Cardinals should consider trading this reliever before he hits the open market image

After a few seasons of wondering if the St. Louis Cardinals would trade Nolan Arenado, they finally did it. The 10-time Gold Glove winner will now be suiting up for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In return, St. Louis received Jack Martinez, a RHP who was selected in the 8th round of last year's draft. Despite being taken so late, there are some things to be excited about. He has an unorthodox delivery that keeps opposing batters on their toes and a big-sweeping slider that pairs well with his upper-90s fastball. 

But Arenado was not the only player to be traded this offseason so far. St. Louis also parted ways with Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras, and there are a few more players that teams are trying to close in on. 

MORE: It could benefit the Cardinals to free up their catching logjam

Cardinals should consider trading this reliever before he hits the open market

A ton of teams have been calling in regards to Brendan Donovan. With Ketel Marte likely staying with Arizona, Donovan now sits as the top option on the trade market. 

However, JoJo Romero is another option that could be on his way out. Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller tags him as the most obtainable reliever on the trade market, especially with his free agent status for the 2027 season. 

"Romero had a 2.07 ERA last season, saving eight games and tallying 24 holds, blowing just one lead along the way. He could be a closer or a set-up man, and there's no particularly good reason for St. Louis to hang onto this impending free agent while churning through their rebuild. But maybe they'll keep him for a few months, hoping to flip him for a nice haul ahead of the summer deadline."

It makes perfect sense for the Cardinals, who are in the middle of their rebuild, to try to get as many resources as they can. Romero, who will be a free agent after this season, does not put them in a contending position, and if they do not trade him this season, they will lose him for nothing next season. 

So, don't expect Romero to be with St. Louis all the way through the year. It would surprise me if he makes it through the winter, but you can almost guarantee he will be an option at the deadline if he is still around.

More MLB news: