Trade rumors are swirling as fans brace for the chaos of the MLB trade deadline. Contenders are seeking new talent to complete their rosters for an October run. With many teams stuck in the middle and uncertain about their direction, the expanded postseason means fewer are aggressively building playoff-caliber teams. Despite this cautious approach, every team aims to improve, including the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Cardinals have publicly outlined their needs: an established fifth starter, bullpen assurance, and a right-handed centerfielder to balance their left-heavy lineup. With a depleted farm system, the organization is focused on rebuilding its former prominence. Therefore, the best option for roster improvement seems to be trading current Major League players. So, who might be on the trading block? Here are three players likely to be moved before the 2024 trade deadline.
Dylan Carlson, once highly touted, is now facing a narrowing window of opportunity. Struggling significantly against both right-handed and left-handed pitching, he holds a .167/.529/.208 slash line (.468 OPS, 37 OPS+) versus right-handers and a .182/.290/.212 slash line (.502 OPS, 46 OPS+) against left-handers. This makes him a potential candidate for demotion or designation for assignment, decisions many teams would find straightforward. However, the Cardinals hesitate due to Carlson’s past promise as a top baseball prospect expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s future.
With Carlson’s value dwindling, the Cardinals may have to include him in a trade package to salvage what remains.
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