St. Louis Cardinals president John Mozeliak can’t be too happy about what the team did in the first half of the MLB season. St. Louis entered the All-Star Break at 38-52 on the season and in last place in the National League Central.
At this point, competing for a postseason spot does not seem to be in the cards. It led to Mozeliak indicating on Wednesday that the Cardinals will be sellers ahead of the MLB trade deadline early next month.
“Right now, I can tell you, we’re going to trade people, you just don’t know if it’s going to be household names or guys who are more likely to not be here next year,” St. Louis Cardinals president on trade deadline plans.
This is rather interesting because it was back in early July that reports indicated the Cardinals would not be major sellers ahead of the deadline. Things have obviously changed since then.
The Cards are not lacking quality players who might interest contending teams. After all, they posted a 93-69 record and won the NL Central a season ago. As Mozeliak noted, they could move off a combination of big-name players and pending free agents.
Related: Updated MLB trade rumors heading into the August deadline
St. Louis Cardinals trade options ahead of MLB trade deadline
First off, let’s look at pending free agents in St. Louis. These are the players likely to be moved ahead of the deadline.
That list includes starting pitchers Adam Wainwright, Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty. It’s highly unlikely that Wainwright will be moved as he closes up shop on his career. Though, Montgomery and Flaherty are strong trade candidates.
Montgomery, 30, has been the St. Louis Cardinals most consistent starter this season (6-7 record, 3.23 ERA, 1.22 WHIP). The 27-year-old Flaherty has not been as good with a 4.27 ERA and 1.57 WHIP. Though, contending teams could have interest in him as a mid-level starter. The Houston Astros are said to be targeting rotation help and could put in a call.
Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong has a $12.5 million team option for next season. Currently in Triple-A, Masyn Winn plays the same position and is St. Louis’ top prospect, per MLB.com. Trading DeJong seems to make a ton of sense.
Relievers Chris Stratton, Drew VerHagen and Jordan Hicks are also slated to become free agents this winter. Of that group, Hicks (3.93 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) would likely draw the most interest.
Related: MLB trade tracker with grades
Will the St. Louis Cardinals trade Nolan Arenado and other position players?
It was noted recently that St. Louis could very well flip a young position player for a controllable starter. It makes sense with the three starters listed above set to hit MLB free agency. Former top prospect Jordan Walker has come up as a possibility.
As it relates to eight-time All-Star Arenado, he talked about the possibility of being dealt during the midsummer classic in Seattle earlier this week.
“I’ve been traded once,” Arenado said. “I think that shocked a lot of people at that time. I guess it doesn’t surprise me anymore what happens in this game. It would still be surprising seeing some things happen. But I understand there are certain things that probably should.”
The 10-time Gold Glove winner is currently playing under an eight-year, $20 million contract. Despite the Cardinals’ struggles, he continues to play at a high level.
- Nolan Arenado stats (2023): .283 average, 19 HR, 62 RBI, .850 OPS
If the Cardinals are looking to contend next season, it makes no real sense to trade Arenado. They also don’t really have anyone in the minors to replace him.
With that said, a contender could offer up a whole heck of a lot for a star player who is under team control at a reasonable rate through the 2027 season.
Other possibilities include utilityman Tommy Edman and catcher Willson Contreras, the latter of whom signed with the St. Louis Cardinals this past winter.
Another probable trade candidate is current Cardinals closer Giovanny Gallegos, who is signed through next season. The 25-year-old reliever has posted a solid 3.02 ERA with a 0.92 WHIP since joining St. Louis back in 2018.