Players who might be traded by the Cardinals before the deadline, maintaining their competition potential:
Reimagining the St. Louis Cardinals:
Getting real about playoff contention, the St. Louis Cardinals are giving the NL Central a run for its money after a top-notch May. However, even with the team exceeding expectations, there are nagging issues with the roster that could be addressed while also ensuring long-term success.
The Cardinals continually express concern over the lack of minor league starting depth, with Michael McGreevy's Triple-A dominance serving as a testament to this. Beyond the need for upper-minors pitching talent, the club could also explore more depth around the infield or reinforce the outfield with Major League-worthy contributors. To address these needs, let's examine several prospects on the big league roster who could net a modest return in trades and enhance the team's depth, as well as players in Memphis who may find themselves surplus to requirements.
The Cardinals boast a host of tradeable assets ideal for bolstering their minor league ranks
Potential major league position players on the trading block
Jose Barrero
Fueled by a blazing start in Triple-A, Jose Barrero found himself back in the Majors as a replacement for Masyn Winn, who was dealing with minor injuries. Upon Winn's recovery, Barrero's playing time became scarce, with only one appearance since May 10, primarily utilized as an outfielder despite having spent most of his career at the infield.
Initially considered a top-100 prospect, Barrero's rapid climb through the Reds system, largely limited to Single-A, could have stunted his development. While likely not fetching a high return, Barrero can serve as a valuable depth option for a contending team or a lottery ticket for a youthful club with infield openings. Trading Barrero would create space for the promotion of rising stars like Thomas Saggese or Jose Fermin, depending on manager Oli Marmol's bench needs.
Yohel Pozo
Third-string catcher Yohel Pozo could also be up for grabs as a trade chip, with Ivan Herrera's injury-free return limiting his playing time. Despite starting only six games this month, Pozo maintains a respectable .320 batting average. The Cardinals may attract little interest for Pozo, but if they can secure a new home for him, it would benefit both parties, as he'd find regular playing time elsewhere. Should Pozo return to the minors, he will be competing with Jimmy Crooks, the organization's top catching prospect, as well as Leonardo Bernal and Rainiel Rodriguez in the lower levels.
Strategic trade opportunities
Jose Barrero:- Trading for Minor League Talent: Barrero's adaptability as a utility player could make him an attractive asset for a team looking to bolster depth. The Cardinals could swap Barrero for promising minor league prospects, thereby enriching their organizational depth, such as top-ranked position players or pitchers nearing MLB readiness.- Package Deals: If Barnero doesn't command a high return alone, he could be paired with other players to increase the trade's overall value. This could lead to a larger haul, potentially netting higher-level minor league talent.
Yohel Pozo:- Trading for Catching Depth: Pozo, primarily a catcher, could be an enticing option for teams looking to beef up their catching core. The Cardinals might negotiate a deal with such teams to acquire minor league pitchers or infielders in return.- Minor League Assets: Maximize Pozo's trade value by incorporating him into a broader deal that brings back minor league assets, such as high-potential prospects or players showing significant upside, to boost the Cardinals' farm system.
Broad strategy
- Identify Needs: Identify what specific positions or skill sets the Cardinals' minor league system is lacking.
- Target Teams: Look for teams that have a surplus in those areas and are amenable to parting with prospects or near-MLB-ready players.
- Package Deals: Consider combining Barrero and Pozo with other players to elevate the trade's overall worth.
- Negotiate for Upward Trajectory: Prioritize acquiring players with significant upside or those close to MLB readiness to maximize the long-term benefits of the trade.
Adopting this approach enables the Cardinals to utilize their current roster assets to fortify their minor league system while preserving their competitive edge in the majors.
The St. Louis Cardinals' potential major league position players on the trading block, such as Jose Barrero and Yohel Pozo, are assets that could be leveraged to bolster their minor league ranks. For instance, Jose Barrero, who has shown promise with a blazing start in Triple-A, could be traded for minor league prospects nearing MLB readiness, thereby enriching the Cardinals' organizational depth. Similarly, Yohel Pozo, a third-string catcher, could be traded to teams looking to beef up their catching core in exchange for minor league pitchers or infielders. By identifying their needs, targeting teams with a surplus, considering package deals, and prioritizing players with significant upside, the Cardinals can address their roster issues while ensuring long-term success in both the minor and major leagues.
