The St. Louis Cardinals’ playoff hopes took another hit Monday night after a frustrating loss to the Los Angeles Angels, but the final score wasn’t the only thing that stood out. Angels right-hander José Soriano delivered the type of performance that highlighted one of the Cardinals’ biggest needs as the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaches.
With St. Louis clinging to the final National League Wild Card spot, every game has become increasingly important. The club has dropped several key contests in recent days, raising fresh concerns about whether its current roster is strong enough to stay in the postseason race through September.
While the Cardinals’ starting rotation has performed reasonably well for much of the season, Monday’s matchup served as another reminder that the team could use another frontline starter capable of dominating games.
Soriano Dominates Cardinals Lineup
Soriano was outstanding against St. Louis, working seven strong innings while allowing just two earned runs. The 27-year-old once again showcased the electric arsenal that has made him one of the more intriguing young pitchers in the American League.
The outing only strengthened the growing belief that he is exactly the type of arm many contenders would love to acquire before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
So far this season, Soriano has compiled an 8-6 record with a 3.43 ERA, striking out 122 batters over 118 innings in 21 starts. Opposing hitters have consistently struggled against his high-velocity fastball and swing-and-miss stuff, making him one of the Angels’ most valuable trade assets.
Why Soriano May Be Out of Reach
The Cardinals have already been mentioned by several analysts as a potential landing spot for Soriano. However, making such a deal could prove difficult.
Unlike many pitchers expected to be moved before the deadline, Soriano isn’t a short-term rental. He remains under team control through 2029, significantly increasing both his value and the asking price. The Angels have little incentive to move a young, affordable starter unless another club presents an overwhelming offer.
For a Cardinals organization trying to remain competitive without sacrificing too many top prospects, meeting that price could be unrealistic.
Cardinals Still Need More Long-Term Pitching
Even if Soriano never lands in St. Louis, his performance illustrated the kind of pitcher the Cardinals should be targeting.
The club needs controllable starting pitching that can contribute both this season and for years to come. With uncertainty surrounding parts of the future rotation—including the possibility that Dustin May may not return beyond next season—the organization needs additional dependable arms capable of handling meaningful innings.
Rather than paying a premium for Soriano himself, St. Louis could choose another route by moving valuable trade assets for younger starters with multiple years of club control.
Relievers such as Riley O’Brien could attract interest from contenders seeking bullpen help, potentially allowing the Cardinals to acquire pitching prospects or young major league-ready starters in return.
Building Beyond 2026
The Cardinals already have several promising arms in their pipeline, including Quinn Mathews, Brycen Mautz, Hunter Dobbins, and Richard Fitts, who is expected to return from the injured list next season. Still, adding another controllable starter would provide valuable depth and help stabilize the rotation for years to come.
As the trade deadline draws closer, the front office faces important decisions about balancing the current playoff chase with the franchise’s long-term future.
Monday night’s loss may have been disappointing, but it also offered a clear lesson. Watching José Soriano dominate from the opposite dugout showed exactly the type of pitcher the Cardinals should be pursuing if they hope to strengthen both their rotation and their postseason outlook—not just for this year, but well beyond 2026.
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