ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals addressed their need for more starting pitching in their push for the postseason, agreeing to a three-team trade that landed them right-hander Erick Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham and cash from the White Sox and a player to be named later/cash from the Dodgers, with veteran infielder Tommy Edman and Minor League right-hander Oliver Gonzalez heading to Los Angeles from St. Louis. Additionally, the Dodgers acquired right-hander Michael Kopech from the White Sox, who got infielder/outfielder Miguel Vargas, two prospects and a player to be named later or cash from Los Angeles.

The two prospects headed from the Dodgers to the White Sox are second baseman Jeral Perez (LA's No. 17-ranked prospect, per MLB Pipeline) and infielder Alexander Albertus (ranked No. 23).

TRADE DETAILS
Cardinals receive: RHP Erick Fedde, OF Tommy Pham and cash (from White Sox), player to be named later or cash (from Dodgers)
Dodgers receive: RHP Michael Kopech (from White Sox), INF/OF Tommy Edman and RHP prospect Oliver Gonzalez (from Cardinals)
White Sox receive: INF/OF Miguel Vargas, INF prospect Jeral Perez (LAD No. 17 prospect), INF prospect Alexander Albertus (LAD No. 23 prospect), player to be named later or cash (from Dodgers)

Pham, 36, was a 16th-round draft pick by the Cardinals in 2006 and played for the Redbirds from 2014 until '18, when he was dealt to the Rays. Since leaving the Cards, Pham has played for the Rays, Padres, Reds, Red Sox, Mets, Diamondbacks and White Sox.

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Forced to be creative because of financial constraints both this season and in 2023, per a source, the Cardinals had to try to send out as much payroll as they were taking back in any potential deal. They dealt what was remaining of Edman’s $8 million salary this year for what was left the $7.5 million due Fedde. The 31-year-old right-hander will make $7.5 million in 2025.

Fedde, 31, left MLB to pitch in Korea in 2023 to try to get his career back on track. He appears to have done just that, going 7-4 with a 3.11 ERA over 21 starts this season with the rebuilding White Sox. In 121 2/3 innings this season, Fedde has limited the opposition to a .227 average while striking out 108 hitters and walking 34.

The former first-round Draft pick from 2014 (by the Nats) allowed three earned runs over four innings in an abbreviated loss to the Mariners on Saturday. Still, he’s 2-1 with a 2.53 ERA over four starts in July.

Edman has yet to play for the Cardinals this season following surgery on his right wrist. He was shut down repeatedly during Spring Training because of lingering pain and stiffness in the wrist. Also, his return attempts during the season were halted twice because of a right ankle sprain suffered when he awkwardly stepped on second base while fielding ground balls.

The defensive steadiness of Brendan Donovan, the 2022 Utility Gold Glove defender, and the emergence of rookie shortstop Masyn Winn and steady center fielder Michael Siani, allowed the Cardinals to deal Edman, a Cardinal since 2019.