With the 2026 MLB trade deadline fast approaching on Aug. 3, the St. Louis Cardinals find themselves facing one of the most important decisions of Chaim Bloom’s first season as president of baseball operations.
For months, speculation has surrounded the Cardinals’ approach. Before the season even began, many expected St. Louis to continue reshaping its roster after moving on from high-profile veterans such as Nolan Arenado, Willson Contreras, Sonny Gray, and Brendan Donovan. The expectation was that more experienced players could be dealt to further strengthen the organization’s growing farm system.
But the season hasn’t unfolded exactly as anticipated.
At 50-45, the Cardinals have remained firmly competitive, making it difficult to justify a complete sell-off. Instead of tearing everything down, Bloom must decide whether to buy, sell, or pursue a balanced strategy that keeps the club competitive while continuing to build for the future.
While there are certainly veterans who could still generate interest before the deadline, several players appear far more valuable staying in St. Louis—at least through the remainder of the season.
Lars Nootbaar — A Leader Worth Keeping
Lars Nootbaar generated plenty of trade speculation during the offseason before heel surgery temporarily cooled his market.
Had the Cardinals fallen out of contention, the versatile outfielder likely would have become one of the organization’s most attractive trade assets. Instead, he has emerged as both a productive contributor and one of the clubhouse’s most respected leaders.
With another year of team control remaining after this season, the Cardinals have no urgency to move him now. If the front office ultimately decides to explore trading Nootbaar, the offseason would likely provide a larger market and potentially a stronger return than a midseason deal.
Riley O’Brien — Too Valuable to Move Midseason
Few Cardinals have elevated their value more this year than closer Riley O’Brien.
After earning his first career All-Star selection, O’Brien has established himself as one of the National League’s most reliable late-inning relievers, recording a 3.43 ERA and 24 saves across 39 appearances.
Perhaps even more important, he remains under club control for four additional seasons.
That combination of production and long-term control makes him an ideal building block for the Cardinals rather than someone they need to rush into trading. If St. Louis ever chooses to capitalize on his value, it can do so from a position of strength during the offseason.
Nolan Gorman’s Value May Be Higher Later
Nolan Gorman’s future with the Cardinals remains uncertain.
After struggling offensively for much of the season, the former first-round pick was sent back to Triple-A, raising further questions about whether a fresh start elsewhere may eventually benefit both player and organization.
Still, trading him now would likely mean selling at the lowest possible point of his value.
Rather than accepting a modest return, the Cardinals may be better served allowing Gorman to finish the year in Triple-A, regain confidence, and potentially rebuild his market heading into the winter. Whether he earns another opportunity in St. Louis or becomes an offseason trade candidate, patience could ultimately maximize his value.
Pedro Pagés Still Has an Important Role
The Cardinals may possess enviable catching depth, but that doesn’t necessarily mean Pedro Pagés should be moved before the deadline.
While Iván Herrera and top prospect Jimmy Crooks remain key pieces of the organization’s future, neither has completely secured the position. That uncertainty makes Pagés an important source of stability behind the plate.
His defensive reliability and familiarity with the pitching staff provide value that extends beyond the stat sheet, especially for a team still competing for a postseason berth.
Deadline Decisions Won’t Be Easy
Bloom inherited an organization expected to undergo significant change, but the Cardinals’ competitiveness has complicated what initially appeared to be a straightforward rebuilding process.
Instead of aggressively selling, St. Louis now finds itself balancing the present against the future. Players like Nootbaar, O’Brien, Gorman, and Pagés each offer reasons to remain part of the organization beyond Aug. 3, whether because of leadership, team control, untapped potential, or positional value.
The Cardinals may still make moves before the deadline, but unless another club presents an overwhelming offer, these four players appear better suited staying in St. Louis as the organization continues evaluating both its playoff hopes and its long-term direction.