Ollie Marmol (L) talking with President of Baseball operations John Mozeliak (R) before a game against the Tigers (David Carson/St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
The St. Louis Cardinals have some difficult decisions to make as the trade deadline inches closer. It remains to be seen if they will be buyers or sellers. Unsurprisingly, the trade rumors have been ramping up as the Cardinals remain in the bottom of the standings.
Will Cardinals Trade Superstars?
Two names that keep popping up are Paul Goldschmidt and to a lesser extent Nolan Arenado. Both players would improve any team drastically and the Cardinals are sure to get trade inquiries on both.
Goldy is at the forefront of many speculations. The reigning MVP will have one year remaining under his current contract after this season. His trade value right now is astronomical. The Cardinals could trade for a massive haul for a player of Goldschmidt’s caliber. He’s a perennial MVP candidate, a great clubhouse presence and has one year of control remaining.
Arenado could possibly get the Cardinals an even larger return in a trade. The ten-time gold glover is amazing in the field and is an almost guaranteed 30 homeruns, 100 runs batted in every season. He’s also four years younger than Goldschmidt. With several years remaining on his contract, teams would be lining up if he is available.
With all that being said, there is no chance the Cardinals organization will consider trading either one. First of all, an already fed up fanbase would lose their minds if the team traded them. Secondly, they are the core of the team and the Cardinals will never tank on purpose. Trading those two would be exactly that. The organization prides itself in competing every year. Even if this season continues to go poorly, they will still plan on being competitive next year.
Logjam in the Outfield and Pitching Needed
The Cardinals have plenty of outfielders that should be available at the trade deadline for the right price. Undoubtedly, the organization will be looking to add starting pitching whether they’re buying or selling. The team’s biggest weakness is pitching and it needs to be addressed. Currently only Miles Mikolas and Steven Matz are under contract for next season so the rotation is in sad shape. There are some internal options available but none that can make the impact the team needs.
The Cardinals will undoubtedly listen to all trade offers on their outfielders. The only exception is Jordan Walker. There is no way they will want to move him. Trading away such a phenomenal prospect isn’t how the Cardinals operate.
Number one on the list of players likely to be traded is Tyler O’Neill. The slugging gold glove left fielder has shown moments of brilliance, but injuries have slowed his career. Most recently, the Cardinals have been deploying Walker in left. This could be a sign that the team is ready to move on from O’Neill. Trading him would open up more playing time for some of the young players waiting in the wings.
The rest of the outfielders on the current roster are likely available as well. The price would probably be higher for any of them. They are all fairly young and under team control. The Cardinals definitely have the players to get a deal done. However, if the front office overvalues their young outfielders, it could be another aggravating deadline for Cardinal fans.
Minor League Trade Candidates
The Cardinals have long been known for their player development and strong farm system. There seemingly is a new young group of players pushing for playing time every year. It would serve the organization well to use this depth to improve the major league roster.
There are three prospects that are likely to be involved in Cardinal trade talks. Juan Yepez, Luken Baker and top catching prospect Ivan Herrera could be on the move.
Yepez has shown some success at the major league level but has found himself on the outside looking in. He’s a bat first player capable of playing both corner infield and outfield positions. Goldschmidt and Arenado are blocking him at his most likely positions. Also, with the team’s current DH strategy, there just aren’t many at bats available. Trading him while he still has value seems very likely.
Power hitting first baseman Baker has been tearing up Triple-A this year. He has an excellent slash line of .309/.432/.632 while bashing 18 homeruns and driving in 53 runs. Goldschmidt is blocking him since he only plays first base. Baker’s value is at its peak so now may be the time to move him.
Catching prospect Herrera’s performance this year has undoubtedly made other teams take notice. He currently has an impressive .291/.425/.535 slash line in Triple-A. He was next in line to be the starting catcher many believed. When they signed Willson Contreras that changed. It would make sense to trade Herrera while his value is at it’s highest.
Three Cardinals’ Prospects That Won’t be Traded
Walker is at top of the list of Cardinals’ prospects that are likely unavailable. Teams shouldn’t bother trying. Shortstop Masyn Winn and pitcher Tink Hence are the other two that are most likely unavailable. Both have tremendous upside. The Cardinals may be looking to improve but they won’t mortgage their future to do so.
The Time is Now For Front Office to Prove Their Worth
The Cardinals’ front office has some hard work ahead. The trade market is ever changing and with more teams making the playoffs there are fewer teams selling than there used to be. They may have to overpay to make any significant additions to the roster. The front office needs to be more aggressive than in years past if they want to turn things around. Cardinal fans are used to being disappointed at the trade deadline. Hopefully, the front office will do what’s necessary to usher in a new era of winning Cardinal baseball.
