John Bazemore / AP
Here are currently the most likely trade candidates for the St. Louis Cardinals:
#1. Tyler O’Neill:
Tyler O’Neill is a player with all the physical tools to be great. He has tremendous strength and sprint speed with a gold glove to his credit as a left fielder. The only thing that’s a question mark is his ability to stay on the field.
The Marlins make a good match as far as trade partners go. They need offense and the Cardinals need pitching.
Last year there were rumors involving an O’Neill and Rogers swap but it never happened. The Cardinals should be able to do better than that if O’Neill can show that he can stay on the field.
#2. Jordan Hicks:
The flame throwing righty has made jaws drop with his 105 mph fastball and high 90’s sinker. He’s another that has all the tools but has yet to put it all together.
He has issues with command and still hasn’t given up the desire to be a starter. There is no shortage of teams that need bullpen help.
The return would probably be no more than a mid-level prospect unless he could be packaged with O’Neill for a starting pitcher.
#3. Juan Yepez:
Juan Yepez has shown the ability to hit at all levels. He’s a probable DH since his defense is questionable. He is capable of playing the corner positions. Unfortunately he is blocked at every position except DH. Once again he could be a piece in a trade that the Cardinals could use to obtain a starter.
O’Neill is the most likely to be traded. He shows potential but the Cardinals have plenty of youngsters ready to take his spot. Top prospect Dylan Carlson is a better defender, younger and has more years of control. It would serve the Cardinal organization well to use one or more of these trade chips to improve their starting pitching. As of right now they only have two of their starting five signed for next year.
