3 potential St. Louis Cardinals trade chips that could interest the Padres this summer

3. Jack Flaherty

The Padres' starting rotation hasn't been as good as many expected this season, so it wouldn't hurt to bring in another contingency option, like Jack Flaherty.

Flaherty is rumored to be a trade chip this summer should the Cardinals continue struggling, and much like his teammate Tyler O'Neill, might benefit immensely from a change of scenery.

A free agent after the season, Flaherty has an unsightly 5.24 ERA in nine starts so far. That is well below his career 3.55 ERA that has made him the Cardinals' ace in recent years. Perhaps he can rekindle that form in San Diego.

It should be noted that Flaherty hails from Burbank, Calif., just outside of Los Angeles. A return to his home state could motivate and re-energize the veteran starter. And that potential motivation should be put to good use helping the Padres ramp up for a second consecutive playoff run.