The St. Louis Cardinals signaled a shift in focus to the future by becoming sellers at the trade deadline. While reportedly open to offers on many players, the team avoided major shakeups, instead concentrating on strategic deals.
The Cardinals’ primary moves involved trading three relievers on expiring contracts to acquire prospects. Ryan Helsley was sent to the New York Mets for a package headlined by Jesus Baez, Steven Matz joined the Boston Red Sox in exchange for prospect Blaze Jordan, and Phil Maton was dealt to the Texas Rangers in a last-minute transaction.
These departures created significant vacancies in the St. Louis bullpen, making the closer role a top priority. The team appears to have found an immediate answer in JoJo Romero, who has stepped into the high-leverage position.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report recently highlighted Romero’s successful transition. “Romero has taken the reins in the ninth inning after Ryan Helsley and Phil Maton were both traded at the deadline, and he has gone 3-for-3 on save chances in August,” Reuter noted. “He has been rock solid in a setup role since coming over from the Phillies in the deal that sent Edmundo Sosa the other way at the 2022 deadline.”
Despite Romero’s perfect record in save opportunities since taking over, his long-term position as closer is not guaranteed. The organization may eventually look to a younger prospect from its farm system for the role, which would allow Romero to return to the setup position where he has previously excelled. For now, however, the left-hander has provided crucial stability in the ninth inning for St. Louis.
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