7 Potential Trade Candidates from the Cardinals' Roster who could be moved at the Trade Deadline, allowing them to remain competitive
**St. Louis Cardinals Navigate Trade Deadline Amid Playoff Push**
As the St. Louis Cardinals continue their charge towards the National League playoffs, the team finds itself in a delicate balance between bolstering its roster for a potential postseason run and preserving its future prospects.
Currently sitting in second place in the National League Central, the Cardinals are not expected to make any blockbuster moves ahead of the trade deadline, opting instead for smaller, targeted deals to fill roster gaps while maintaining their competitive edge [2][4].
## Key Trade Candidates and Potential Impact
The Cardinals have several trade candidates who could fetch high value, such as closer Ryan Helsley and reliever Phil Maton. However, their departures would primarily impact the bullpen, not minor league pitching or infield/outfield depth [1][2][4].
Starting pitchers Erick Fedde and Steven Matz could be moved to open rotation spots for younger arms, but their trades would not directly address infield or outfield needs [2].
## Infielder and Outfielder Trade Targets
The Cardinals are not aggressively pursuing high-end infield or outfield trade targets like Alex Bregman or Jarren Duran. Instead, they are focusing on complementary moves to fill roster gaps without disrupting their current core or trading away top prospects [2].
## Minor League Impact
If the Cardinals decide to trade for infield or outfield help, they would likely target players who are under team control and can provide depth or platoon options. However, there is no indication that the team is eager to part with controllable prospects or minor league standouts in such deals, ensuring minimal negative impact on the minor league system [2][4].
## Jose Barrero and Yohel Pozo: Catching Prospects and Trade Pieces
Jose Barrero, a top-100 prospect in the Reds system, could provide depth for a contending team or serve as a lottery ticket for a young team with playing time available in the infield [1]. However, his career as an infielder has been overshadowed by his recent stints in the outfield, with only one start since May 10 [1].
If Yohel Pozo returns to Triple-A, he will be behind Jimmy Crooks, Leonardo Bernal, and Rainiel Rodriguez in the organization's catching prospect hierarchy [1]. Pozo has managed to maintain a .320 batting average despite minimal playing time this month [1].
## Potential Trades and Return
The trade of Jose Barrero could open up a roster spot for a promotion of Thomas Saggese or Jose Fermin, depending on Marmol's bench needs [1]. A trade for Barrero could potentially yield a modest return [1].
Michael McGreevy's dominance in Triple-A is attributed to the team's lack of minor league starting depth [1]. The Cardinals' organization identifies lack of minor league starting depth as a main priority [1].
In conclusion, the Cardinals are unlikely to pursue major trades for infield or outfield help unless they fall out of contention. Current trade speculation centers on bullpen and rotation arms, not position players. Departures of pitching staff would not harm minor league infield or outfield depth, and the organization is prioritizing the retention of controllable prospects for future growth [2][4]. If the team does seek to fill infield or outfield holes, it will likely be through marginal or complementary acquisitions rather than blockbuster deals.
References: [1] [https://www.stlouiscardinals.com/news/st-louis-cardinals-trade-rumors-jose-barrero-yohel-pozo-minor-league-impact](https://www.stlouiscardinals.com/news/st-louis-cardinals-trade-rumors-jose-barrero-yohel-pozo-minor-league-impact) [2] [https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/07/stlouis-cardinals-trade-rumors-deadline-2023.html](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/07/stlouis-cardinals-trade-rumors-deadline-2023.html) [3] [https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/news/st-louis-cardinals-trade-rumors-jose-barrero-yohel-pozo-minor-league-impact](https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/news/st-louis-cardinals-trade-rumors-jose-barrero-yohel-pozo-minor-league-impact) [4] [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/st-louis-cardinals-trade-rumors-as-team-eyes-playoff-push/](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/st-louis-cardinals-trade-rumors-as-team-eyes-playoff-push/)
Considering the Cardinals' focus on complementary moves to fill roster gaps without disrupting their current core, they might seek to acquire a backup outfielder, such as a utility player, in the MLB. For instance, they could target Tyler Naquin, who has spent time with multiple teams and can play all outfield positions.
In case of a trade involving Jose Barrero, the Cardinals could acquire a starting pitcher with potential, like MacKenzie Gore from the San Diego Padres, who has struggled this season but possesses a high ceiling. This move could provide a boost to the Cardinals' pitching staff during the playoff push.
