Less than 24 hours before the MLB trade deadline Tuesday at 6 p.m. Eastern, one deal had some Reds fans on social media breathing a sigh of relief.
The St. Louis Cardinals announced late Monday night that they acquired left-handed pitcher José Quintana and right-handed pitcher Chris Stratton from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for right-handed pitcher Johan Oviedo and minor-league infielder Malcom Nuñez.
It was no secret the Cardinals were in pursuit of starting pitching. The Reds have been listening to offers for starting pitcher Tyler Mahle - according to multiple reports - and is believed to be one of the top starters on the market. And MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported Sunday via Twitter that the Cardinals had interest in Mahle.
The fear, of course, for Reds fans was sending Mahle to a National League Central rival. And the Cardinals, of all teams. That now appears unlikely, as long as St. Louis doesn't pursue additional starting pitching at the deadline.
The Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins are among teams reported in recent days to have interest in Mahle.
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