CARDS SWAP FOR GOLDSCHMIDT
The St. Louis Cardinals struck gold in their search for a big hitter, getting all-star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a multi-player trade on Wednesday. Eager to push for the playoffs after a three-year absence, the Cardinals sent pitcher Luke Weaver, catcher Carson Kelly, minor-league infielder Andy Young and a 2019 draft pick to Arizona. A six-time all-star and three-time Gold Glove winner at 31, Goldschmidt was among the top players available in the trade market. He hit .290 with 33 home runs and 83 RBIs last season and has often finished high in the NL MVP voting. Goldschmidt has a $14.5-million salary next year, receives a $1-million assignment bonus for the trade and will be eligible for free agency after next season. St. Louis went 88-74 and believed it needed a boost to compete with the likes of Milwaukee and the Cubs in the NL Central.