St. Louis is seeking outfield help and is interested in Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson, according to Benjamin Hochman of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Hochman's report comes days after FOX Sports' Jon Morosi noted the Cardinals and Rockies might be able to agree on a potential deal.
#STLCards engaged in trade dialogue with #Rockies about outfielders. Gonzalez, Blackmon, Dickerson are available. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 23, 2015
Why this rumor makes sense
Colorado is reportedly shopping all three of its outfielders, but Carlos Gonzalez might not be realistic option for the Cardinals.
Blackmon, 29, is coming off a strong 2015 campaign during which he batted .287/.347/.450 to complement 17 home runs and 58 RBIs. He also stole 43 bases and would add a left-handed bat to St. Louis' outfield.
Dickerson, 26, would also add a left handed bat, but he could prove to be costly in a trade since he had a better season than Blackmon. Over 65 contests last season, Dickerson batted .304/.333/.536 to complement 10 home runs and 31 RBIs.
Gonzalez has been linked to multiple clubs this winter, and the Rockies do not appear to be lowering the price.
Regardless of whether or not it is done via a trade, the Cardinals need to add at least one outfielder. The Rockies have three productive options to choose from, and St. Louis has its share of desirable prospects.
Why this rumor does not make sense
While the Cardinals do need another outfielder, they might not be willing to part with notable prospects in order to add one. In a package including an outfielder, the Rockies would likely request pitcher Alex Reyes.
If Stephen Piscotty is able to play first base consistently, Matt Adams could be moved. However, even moving Adams could be extreme since he has proven he can be a valuable left-handed hitter despite batting .240 last season.
The free agent market for outfielders has not fully come together, and the Cardinals could be in a position to take advantage of that.
Likeliness overall: 2/10
The Rockies are shopping their outfielders and the Cardinals have a need. But Colorado's asking price will likely remain too high.