The St. Louis Cardinals could receive the perfect opportunity to evaluate one of the most attractive starting pitchers expected to be available before the MLB trade deadline when they open a road series against the Los Angeles Angels.
Right-hander José Soriano is scheduled to start for the Angels, giving the Cardinals not only the challenge of facing one of the American League’s most effective pitchers but also a close-up scouting opportunity as the front office weighs possible additions before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
With St. Louis firmly in the National League Wild Card race, every remaining game carries postseason implications. Entering the series with a 51-47 record, the Cardinals remain in the thick of a tightly contested playoff battle, but questions surrounding the starting rotation continue to linger. That has increased speculation that the club could aggressively pursue another frontline starter capable of stabilizing the pitching staff during the second half.
Soriano appears to fit nearly every requirement.
The 27-year-old has quietly emerged as one of the Angels’ most reliable starters this season, compiling an 8-6 record with a 3.49 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 115 strikeouts across 111 innings over 20 starts. Opposing hitters have managed just a .222 batting average against him, highlighting his ability to consistently limit hard contact while generating swings and misses.
His electric arsenal has made him one of the more intriguing pitchers expected to draw interest before the deadline. Soriano’s fastball regularly sits around 97 mph and has reached even higher velocities, while his strikeout rate has climbed to 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings, reflecting significant development in his ability to overpower hitters.
Although command remains an area for improvement after issuing 53 walks, Soriano offsets that concern by inducing a high number of ground balls, making him an ideal fit for a Cardinals club that has traditionally relied on strong infield defense and efficient run prevention.
Rotation Help Remains a Priority
The Cardinals have received excellent production from rookie Michael McGreevy, who has posted a stellar 2.92 ERA through 19 starts. Kyle Leahy and Andre Pallante have also provided valuable innings throughout the season.
However, inconsistency elsewhere has exposed the need for another dependable starter. Dustin May has struggled with a 4.78 ERA, while Matthew Liberatore has battled through an uneven campaign that has seen his ERA climb to 5.00 alongside a 1.48 WHIP.
Adding a pitcher like Soriano would immediately deepen the rotation while providing another power arm capable of handling meaningful innings during a playoff push.
More Than Just a Deadline Rental
One of Soriano’s biggest advantages is his long-term value.
Unlike many pitchers expected to change teams this summer, Soriano remains under club control through the 2028 season, making him an attractive investment rather than a short-term rental. That level of team control is especially valuable for a Cardinals organization attempting to compete now without sacrificing its long-term future.
St. Louis has missed the postseason since 2022 and has not advanced in the playoffs since 2019, increasing pressure on the front office to strengthen the roster while preserving as much prospect depth as possible.
Acquiring Soriano would help address both current and future needs by adding a young, controllable starter with considerable upside.
Angels Could Listen to Offers
Whether Soriano ultimately becomes available remains uncertain.
The Angels entered the week with a disappointing 39-61 record, the worst mark in the American League, making them one of the clubs expected to consider selling before the deadline.
Industry insiders have identified both Soriano and fellow starter Reid Detmers as possible trade candidates because controllable starting pitching remains one of the most valuable commodities on the market. However, Los Angeles is under no pressure to move Soriano given his age, affordability and years of team control.
If the Angels do decide to entertain offers, the asking price is expected to be substantial.
Competition Could Be Fierce
The Cardinals are unlikely to be the only contenders interested.
Several postseason hopefuls, including the Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks, and other clubs searching for rotation upgrades, are expected to pursue controllable starting pitching if elite aces prove unattainable.
That makes the series opener against the Angels especially intriguing. While Cardinals hitters will focus on solving Soriano at the plate, the front office will likely be paying equally close attention, evaluating whether the hard-throwing right-hander could become a key piece of St. Louis’ rotation for both this postseason chase and the years ahead.
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