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Yankees All- Star Pitcher Fits As Potential Cardinals Waiver Addition

Yankees All-Star Pitcher Emerges as Intriguing Waiver Target for Struggling Cardinals Rotation

The St. Louis Cardinals find themselves in a precarious position as the MLB season winds down, with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Once considered perennial contenders in the National League Central, the Cardinals have grappled with inconsistency, particularly in their starting rotation, which has been plagued by injuries, underperformance, and a lack of depth. As the trade deadline has passed and rosters are set for the postseason push, teams like the Cardinals are turning to unconventional methods to bolster their squads. One such avenue is the waiver wire, where surprising talent can sometimes become available as contending teams make tough decisions to optimize their lineups or manage payroll. In this context, a notable name has surfaced as a potential fit for St. Louis: a former All-Star pitcher from the New York Yankees, whose recent struggles might make him an attainable addition via waivers.

The pitcher in question is Nestor Cortes, the crafty left-hander who burst onto the scene with the Yankees and earned All-Star honors in 2022. Known for his unorthodox delivery, deceptive arm angles, and a repertoire that includes a sharp cutter, sweeper, and changeup, Cortes has been a fan favorite in the Bronx for his ability to outsmart hitters rather than overpower them. His journey to stardom was anything but straightforward—after bouncing around minor leagues and brief stints with teams like the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners, he found his footing in New York, where he became a key part of their rotation. In his breakout year, Cortes showcased ace-like potential, helping the Yankees secure a strong position in the American League East. However, the current season has been a different story, marked by inconsistency and a dip in effectiveness that has led to speculation about his future with the team.

For the Yankees, who are locked in a tight race for the AL East crown and a playoff berth, roster management is critical. With a deep pitching staff that includes established stars like Gerrit Cole and emerging talents, the team might consider placing Cortes on waivers as a way to clear space or reduce financial commitments. This isn't uncommon in late August or September, when teams prioritize players who are performing at their peak for the stretch run. If Cortes were to hit the waiver wire, he would likely draw interest from multiple clubs, but the Cardinals stand out as a particularly logical landing spot. St. Louis has been desperate for starting pitching reinforcements, with their rotation ERA ranking among the league's worst and key arms like Sonny Gray and Miles Mikolas showing signs of fatigue. Adding a veteran like Cortes could provide immediate stability and a spark for a team that still harbors faint hopes of a wild-card push.

What makes Cortes an appealing waiver addition for the Cardinals is his proven track record and potential for a quick turnaround. Despite his current challenges, including a higher ERA and increased home run rate this year, Cortes has demonstrated the ability to rebound. His underlying metrics suggest that bad luck and defensive lapses have played a role in his struggles, and a change of scenery to a more pitcher-friendly environment like Busch Stadium could help him regain form. Moreover, at 29 years old, Cortes is still in his prime and under team control for another season, making him more than just a rental player. The Cardinals' front office, led by John Mozeliak, has a history of savvy moves to acquire undervalued talent, and claiming Cortes off waivers would align with that philosophy. It wouldn't require parting with prospects or significant assets, allowing St. Louis to preserve their farm system while addressing a glaring need.

Beyond the immediate fit, acquiring Cortes could have longer-term implications for the Cardinals' pitching strategy. The team has invested in young arms like Matthew Liberatore and Gordon Graceffo, but they lack the experience to anchor a rotation in a pennant race. Cortes could serve as a bridge, mentoring younger pitchers while providing innings-eating reliability. His left-handedness would also add balance to a rotation that is predominantly right-handed, creating better matchup options against lefty-heavy lineups in the NL Central, such as those of the Milwaukee Brewers or Chicago Cubs.

Speaking of the Brewers, the article also touches on another high-profile pitching target that could intrigue the Cardinals: Devin Williams, Milwaukee's elite closer. While not directly tied to the waiver discussion, Williams represents a different kind of opportunity—potentially through a trade in the offseason or even a late-season blockbuster if the Brewers falter. Williams, a two-time All-Star and former NL Reliever of the Year, is renowned for his devastating "airbender" changeup, which has made him one of the most dominant bullpen arms in baseball. With the Brewers holding a slim lead in the division, they might be open to dealing Williams if their postseason aspirations dim, especially considering his arbitration eligibility and rising salary. For the Cardinals, who have struggled with late-inning reliability—evidenced by blown saves and a shaky bullpen—Williams would be a game-changer. Pairing him with existing closer Ryan Helsley could create a formidable one-two punch, turning what has been a weakness into a strength.

The contrast between pursuing Cortes via waivers and targeting Williams in a trade highlights the Cardinals' multifaceted approach to rebuilding their pitching staff. Waivers offer a low-risk, high-reward path, especially for a player like Cortes who might be motivated to prove himself after a down year. On the other hand, acquiring Williams would likely demand a steeper price, perhaps involving top prospects or major league talent, but the payoff could be substantial in elevating St. Louis back to contention. As the waiver period heats up, the Cardinals' decision-makers will need to weigh these options carefully, considering their budget, roster flexibility, and long-term goals.

In the broader context of MLB's late-season dynamics, stories like this underscore how teams navigate the fine line between contending and retooling. For the Yankees, parting with Cortes would be bittersweet, given his contributions to their recent success, but it could free up resources for other pursuits. For the Cardinals, it's a chance to salvage a disappointing season and lay the groundwork for 2025. Whether Cortes ultimately lands in St. Louis or elsewhere, his situation exemplifies the unpredictability of baseball's transaction landscape. Fans in St. Louis will be watching closely, hoping that a waiver claim or a bold trade could reignite their team's fortunes and bring back the winning ways that have defined the franchise for decades.

This potential move also sparks discussions about the Cardinals' overall strategy under manager Oli Marmol. With fan frustration mounting over the team's underachievement, adding a pitcher of Cortes' caliber could boost morale and demonstrate a commitment to improvement. If successful, it might even position the Cardinals as dark horses in the wild-card race, especially if their offense—led by stars like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado—catches fire. Conversely, failing to address pitching woes could lead to a deeper offseason overhaul, potentially including changes in leadership or a shift toward youth.

As the days tick down toward the end of the regular season, the waiver wire will remain a hotbed of activity. Teams like the Cardinals, hovering on the fringes of contention, must act decisively. Claiming Nestor Cortes could be the low-cost gamble that pays off big, providing the rotation with a much-needed boost and giving fans reason to believe in a late surge. And if the stars align for a pursuit of Devin Williams, the Cardinals could emerge as a pitching powerhouse in the NL. Either way, these developments highlight the ever-evolving nature of roster construction in modern baseball, where opportunity often arises from unexpected places.

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/mlb/cardinals/st-louis-cardinals-news/yankees-all-star-pitcher-fits-as-potential-cardinals-waiver-addition-devin-williams-zach3 ]