The St. Louis Cardinals have experienced a turbulent year. Last season, their front office took an aggressive approach at the trade deadline, acting as buyers in a three-team deal that sent Tommy Edman to the Los Angeles Dodgers and brought Erick Fedde to St. Louis, along with other pieces. In hindsight, that trade now appears to have backfired.
During the offseason, the team allowed several veteran players to leave in free agency and made just one notable signing, signaling the beginning of a potential rebuild. However, the Cardinals started the new season strong, racking up early wins and sparking a wave of uncertainty around their direction—would they be buyers, sellers, or land somewhere in between?
After hitting a rough patch, the Cardinals now seem likely to be sellers unless they can turn things around again. The focus has shifted to who they might look to trade at the deadline—and who could be off the roster in the near future.
4. RHP Erick Fedde
The Cardinals should consider trading Erick Fedde at the deadline, regardless of whether they’re buying or selling. There are several compelling reasons for this move.
For one, Fedde’s current performance may not be sustainable. He’s benefitting significantly from the Cardinals’ elite defense, which ranks near the top in many metrics. His expected ERA (xERA) is considerably higher than his actual ERA, suggesting he’s been a bit fortunate so far with balls in play.
Additionally, Fedde is on an expiring contract, making him a valuable trade asset. St. Louis should aim to get something in return before he walks in free agency. They also have promising young arms—Michael McGreevy, Tink Hence, and Quinn Mathews—waiting in the wings who could step into Fedde’s spot in the rotation next year.
Trading Fedde would open a path for these young pitchers, and the Cardinals would be wise to take advantage of his current value.
3. RHP Phil Maton
Phil Maton was the Cardinals’ lone free-agent signing this offseason, and he’s out to prove his worth—and so far, he has.
In 27 1/3 innings, Maton has been exceptional, posting a 1.98 ERA—the best among Cardinals pitchers with 10+ innings. He also holds a strong 2.15 FIP and 1.13 WHIP, while consistently limiting hard contact.
If the Cardinals are in sell mode, Maton is a clear trade candidate. He’s on a one-year deal and is unlikely to have more value than he does right now. Acquired on a bargain, he could net a prospect or two in return—a smart move for St. Louis.
2. RHP Ryan Helsley
Ryan Helsley might be one of the most valuable trade chips the Cardinals have. He’s also on an expiring contract and unlikely to re-sign with the team, making a trade the logical choice—no matter the team’s direction at the deadline.
Elite relievers like Helsley were among the most pursued players at last year’s deadline, as seen when the Padres gave up a significant haul for Tanner Scott. Helsley, comparable or even superior in talent, could bring back a similar return.
He’s expected to be one of the top bullpen arms available, and St. Louis should cash in while his value is high. Replacing him can be addressed in free agency later; maximizing his trade return is the priority now.
1. INF Nolan Gorman
While the first three names on this list are clear trade candidates due to their contract status, Nolan Gorman’s situation is different. He’s just 25, under team control through 2029, and not arbitration-eligible until next year.
Still, trading Gorman might be the right call.
He’s shown flashes of being a strong contributor, with a 3.4 career WAR, solid defensive skills, and power at the plate. But with Brendan Donovan already entrenched at second base, and top prospect JJ Wetherholt nearing MLB readiness, Gorman’s path to playing time is murky. Donovan may shift to the outfield when Wetherholt arrives, but that still leaves Gorman crowded out.
Thomas Saggese, another promising prospect, adds further depth at the position.
Given the logjam, it may be wiser to move Gorman to a team that needs infield help—perhaps the Yankees—than to keep him stuck in a backup role.
