Cardinals linked to trade for polarizing Yankees' INF that would be a mistake

The St. Louis Cardinals are going to be buying this upcoming offseason, as their unexpected rise in 2026 has opened the door wide open for Chaim Bloom to make moves this winter to improve the team.

Instead of selling veterans like they did last offseason and at this year's trade deadline, it might finally be time for the Cardinals to make a few veteran additions of their own.

So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that MLB insider Robert Murray of Fansided.com linked the Cardinals to a polarizing New York Yankees infielder, Anthony Volpe, as a trade target. But this potential trade would be a mistake.

Cardinals linked to Anthony Volpe trade that would be a mistake

"Explore a trade for Anthony Volpe," Murray writes. "... But this is something that other teams will sniff around this offseason, I believe, and Bloom - who has previously worked with the Red Sox and Rays - should have plenty of familiarity in dealing with the Yankees."

The Cardinals could use some more infield help, as aside from J.J. Wetherholt at second base and Alec Burleson at first base, there's a bit more uncertainty at shortstop and third base going forward.

Masyn Winn is a fun young shortstop, but his offensive production leaves a lot to be desired. Nolan Gorman has not been a good hitter this season either, despite showing potential in previous years.

An infield addition could make sense for this team. But the issue is that adding someone like Volpe would not help the Cardinals out much at all.

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The 25-year-old infielder is under club control through the 2028 season and has been a solid player for the Yankees. But he's only been solid. There isn't much upside with Volpe, especially after the last two seasons.

He had 1.6 bWAR in 153 games last year with a .663 OPS, and while his 1.3 bWAR in 66 games is much better this season, his .671 OPS this year leaves a lot to be desired.

Volpe is not an above-average hitter, and his defense doesn't inspire much confidence. Sticking with Winn, the 24-year-old with a .632 OPS, as their starting shortstop makes much more sense.

Considering how much it'd likely take to acquire Volpe, trading for him from the Yankees would be a mistake. He provides little value to the Cardinals offensively or defensively, and they don't even need a spot where he could be a starter.

Taking a chance on Volpe isn't a bad idea on paper. But for this Cardinals team, it would be a huge mistake. There's no reason to trade for the polarizing Yankees infielder.

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