The St. Louis Cardinals are currently in the middle of a competitive season with a record of 42–36. They sit just 4.5 games behind in the National League Central and only one game back in the Wild Card race. With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the Cardinals must soon decide whether to make a push for the postseason or sell off key players.
Although pitchers Sonny Gray and Miles Mikolas hold no-trade clauses and have expressed no intention of waiving them, other players could still be moved. Among the most talked-about is third baseman Nolan Arenado, who has been the subject of trade rumors. The Cardinals’ upcoming 10-game stretch against the Cubs and Guardians could heavily influence their deadline strategy. A poor showing might push them toward selling, while a strong performance could reinforce their commitment to a playoff run.
If the Cardinals decide to sell, Arenado becomes the most likely trade candidate. Despite a dip in production — he’s hitting .247 with 10 home runs and is on pace for a career-low OPS — Arenado remains productive by league standards. Given his affordable contract for a player of his caliber and his years of team control, he would likely command strong trade value from contenders needing help at third base.
On the other hand, if St. Louis chooses to buy, they need to address their lack of power hitting. Ranked 24th in the league in home runs, the Cardinals could benefit from adding a slugger like Eugenio Suárez or Taylor Ward. Acquiring such a player would likely require parting with a mid-tier prospect, such as Max Rajcic, currently ranked 23rd in the organization. Rajcic has been solid in Double-A and could be an appealing piece for teams looking to rebuild.
Ultimately, the Cardinals’ approach to the trade deadline will be shaped by their performance in the coming weeks. Whether they become buyers or sellers, tough decisions await, with Nolan Arenado and Max Rajcic standing out as key names to watch.
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