Monday saw a significant three-way trade involving the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox.
The Cardinals received right-handed pitcher Erick Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham in the deal. The Dodgers acquired utility man Tommy Edman, minor-league pitcher Oliver Gonzalez, and right-handed pitcher Michael Kopech. The White Sox got infield prospects Miguel Vargas, Jeral Perez and Alexander Albertus.
The Cardinals will also receive a player to be named later from the Dodgers and cash considerations from the White Sox.
To make room on the 40-player roster, C Nick Raposo has been designated for assignment.
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 29, 2024
Fedde’s fascinating story from playing overseas in Korea to returning to the states shows his improvement. He boasts a 3.11 ERA with a 1.142 WHIP and 108 strikeouts in 101.2 innings. The 31-year-old also has an ability to mix and match pitches with his cutter/sinker-heavy arsenal.
Pham began his major-league career with the Cardinals and was in MVP discussions during his fourth season with the team in 2017 when he slashed .306/.411/.520 with 23 home runs and 73 RBI. He also offers a veteran, no-nonsense presence to the clubhouse.
“It did not work out, I learned my lesson… I’m glad I could help the team out with the long ball.” 😅
Tommy Pham reflects on his situational hitting against the Dodgers and last night’s solo home run. pic.twitter.com/j75G9kRGvz
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 28, 2023
Kopech changed representation three weeks ago to super agent Scott Boras ahead of the trade deadline. He was pitching for the White Sox who possess the worst record (27-81) in the league. The 28-year-old has a 4.74 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 43.2 innings.
Here’s an example of what Michael Kopech looks like when he’s on
Immaculate inning to end the game pic.twitter.com/QWI4u25XV3
— 𝕽⃨⃩𝕭⃨⃩ (@rbhockey6) July 29, 2024
Just like every other team vying for a successful playoff push, the Dodgers were in need of starting pitching. Kopech fills that void.
For Edman, he hasn’t played for the Cardinals yet this season after undergoing surgery on his right wrist. It had been bothering him the majority of spring training where he was consistently shut down. There was also a nagging ankle injury during his attempts to return this season.
He’s in the midst of a rehab assignment, but could provide some pop on both sides of the plate as a switch hitter.
For the White Sox, Vargas could be an intriguing piece to build on.
Miguel Vargas slams his first home run of the year for the @Dodgers. pic.twitter.com/vJTxMmgju1
— MLB (@MLB) May 29, 2024
The second baseman had been demoted to Triple-A last All-Star break and couldn’t make his return to the big-league club as a regular starter. He’s currently batting .290 with eight home runs and 38 RBI. He does have the ability to drive the ball to the opposite field and received compliments from his advance batting approach earlier in his career.
[@Cardinals on X]
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.