Ivan Herrera, the St. Louis Cardinals’ current starting backstop, has a glaring problem behind the plate: he’s thrown out just one of 29 attempted base stealers this year. That single stat is the biggest red flag for an organization that doesn’t believe he’s their long-term solution, and it’s making their trade talks wild right before next Monday’s deadline.
The Number That Explains Everything About Ivan Herrera
That brutal 1-for-29 stat isn’t an anomaly, either. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Will Sammon, and Katie Woo reported that Herrera’s arm has “always been a weakness.” It’s so bad the Cardinals prefer he catches no more than twice a week. That’s a huge tell, right? If your starting guy can only play a couple of games a week at his position, you know there’s a serious issue and he’s not the future there. The organization clearly doesn’t see him as their long-term answer at catcher.
Why The Cardinals’ Asking Price Is Wild (Even With Concerns)
So, with that kind of situation, you’d think the Cardinals would be desperate to deal from their abundant catching depth, right? They’ve got Pedro Pages, whose defense is strong, leaving Jimmy Crooks as the “odd man out” on the active roster. Plus, prospects Leo Bernal in Triple-A and Rainiel Rodriguez in Double-A are waiting in the wings, ready to be kept or traded for Major League assets. But here’s the kicker: rival executives say the Cardinals’ asking prices are “high.” It’s like, do they not see Herrera’s arm? The concerns about his long-term viability as a catcher are out there, even among other teams, yet St. Louis is still holding out for a massive return.
Herrera might even move to first base in the near future if that defense doesn’t improve. While the Cardinals don’t have to make a move with their three MLB catchers or prospects, it feels like at least one deal is absolutely coming. The clock is ticking until next Monday’s deadline. Will they stick to their high demands, or will Herrera’s struggling arm force them to get real and make a trade that reshapes their roster?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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