Multiple league sources have confirmed that the St. Louis Cardinals have made a major move, acquiring starting pitcher Erick Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham in a three-way trade involving the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to The Athletic.

In this trade, the Dodgers will receive utility player Tommy Edman from the Cardinals and pitcher Michael Kopech from the White Sox. In return, the Cardinals will add Fedde to their rotation depth while also reuniting with Pham, a gritty right-handed outfielder who can provide a boost against left-handed pitching.

Fedde, who spent the 2023 season with the NC Dinos in South Korea, has returned to the big leagues and is living up to his potential as a former first-round pick and consensus Top 100 prospect. Though his repertoire may not be flashy, consisting of sinkers, cutters, sweepers, and changeups, Fedde has shown the ability to limit hard contact and walks, making him a consistent performer in Chicago's rotation. His 3.11 ERA currently ranks 11th among qualified starters in the American League.

Cardinals' president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, had been actively seeking starting pitching without adding significant payroll for this season and the next. With the acquisition of Fedde on a team-friendly deal, the Cardinals have addressed their need for an experienced arm to complement Sonny Gray and Kyle Gibson.

The addition of Pham provides the Cardinals with a much-needed right-handed bat to combat left-handed pitchers. St. Louis currently ranks second-to-last in OPS against lefties, and Pham's ability to play center field adds versatility to the outfield. Having previously debuted with the Cardinals in 2014, Pham expressed his interest in returning to St. Louis during the offseason.

The trade also sees the Cardinals part ways with Edman, who has yet to play a game this season due to offseason wrist surgery. Moving him creates approximately $9.5 million in payroll flexibility for St. Louis. Edman's versatile skills drew interest from the Dodgers, as he fills their need for infield depth as a super utility player.

In addition to Edman, the Dodgers also acquire pitching prospect Michael Kopech from the White Sox. Kopech's transition from a top starting pitching prospect to a bullpen role has been mixed, but his premium velocity and ability to induce swing and miss offer potential upside for the Dodgers' bullpen, which is in need of reinforcements.

Furthermore, as part of the trade, the White Sox receive infielder Miguel Vargas and multiple prospects. Vargas, a 24-year-old hitting prospect, struggled to find a true position with the Dodgers, as injuries hindered his offensive production. While he showed promise at times, Vargas was never able to solidify a role with the team.

The Cardinals, who currently sit just one game out of a National League playoff spot, have strengthened their rotation and outfield depth with the acquisitions of Fedde and Pham. With the second half of the season underway, these moves could provide the boost needed for a playoff push.

The specifics of the trade include Fedde signing a two-year, $15 million contract before the 2024 season, with $7.5 million owed to him in 2025. Edman, on the other hand, signed a two-year, $16 million extension in January, covering his arbitration years.

As details continue to unfold, fans and analysts will eagerly watch the impact these trades will have on the Cardinals, Dodgers, and White Sox as they navigate the remainder of the season and chase their postseason aspirations.