Chris Owings to the Cardinals? It depends on the deal. Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The shortstops of the Arizona Diamondbacks are popular guys. Every time the D’backs are brought up in a trade discussion, the talk inevitably leads to the trio of Chris Owings, Didi Gregorius and Nick Ahmed. The guy that seems to be the most popular is Owings, whom I recently proposed could be dealt to the New York Mets. Now comes another team that is in the market for a shortstop, the St. Louis Cardinals. Daniel Solzman, the Editor at redbirdrants (one of our fellow FanSided network members) has indicated that the Cards should take a look at the reigning Pacific Coast League MVP.
Given the wealth of talent the Cards possess, both at the Major League and Minor League level, there is plenty to work with for a deal to be made. David Freese is available and he could be the third baseman with pop the D’backs seek if they do not go with Matt Davidson at the hot corner. Freese is also under club control for the next three seasons. Perhaps if the Snakes aim higher they could shake the tree that holds all of the Redbirds’ pitching prospects. My guess is Trevor Rosenthal and Michael Wacha are off the table but there is still plenty of room to talk about Shelby Miller, Joe Kelly and Carlos Martinez. Going back to St. Louis in a deal along with Owings could be the aforementioned Davidson who could fill the void left by Freese. Or, if St. Louis needs another outfielder to hedge against Carlos Beltran departing, there is always Adam Eaton or A.J. Pollock that can be had. Mind you, these are names I am throwing out there but both teams have the depth in their respective farm systems to put together a workable deal for both sides.
If the D’backs were to hang on to Owings, I would like to see him be the every day shortstop. His defense will be more than adequate and the D’backs need more protection as pitchers will be even more careful this season with Paul Goldschmidt. However, if the Cardinals come calling, Arizona would be foolish not to pick up the phone.
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