As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the St. Louis Cardinals find themselves in a pivotal position reminiscent of used car shopping. They need to assess their current roster, weigh past performances, and determine what kind of additions they require to sustain a competitive edge. The Cardinals’ recent struggles, highlighted by a disappointing 1–5 record on their latest road trip, have shifted their focus from being clear buyers to a hybrid approach of buying and selling. In particular, the chase for a Wild Card spot in the National League remains a feasible goal as they navigate this uneven patch in their season.
The Cardinals have several valuable veteran relievers who could attract interest from competing teams. Among them, closer Ryan Helsley boasts a 3.00 ERA and solid strikeout rates, while Phil Maton has shone with a 2.35 ERA and impressive strikeout capabilities after being acquired as a reliable bullpen piece. Additionally, Steven Matz has shown versatility, posting a 3.23 ERA and bouncing back from earlier struggles, making him an appealing option for teams looking for starting pitchers or swingmen.
In their pursuit of bolstering the lineup, the Cardinals are encouraged to acquire a bat capable of addressing their weakness against left-handed pitchers (LHP). Currently, only three players on the roster hold above-average numbers in this category. Several potential targets, such as Boston’s Romy Gonzalez and Miami’s Dane Meyers, display promise in enhancing the offensive capabilities against LHP.
Furthermore, the Cardinals’ struggles over the past few years in starting pitching should not go unnoticed. Statistics indicate they have consistently ranked near the bottom among MLB teams in key metrics like strikeout percentage and ERA. This persistent issue must be addressed, as it significantly hampers the team’s overall performance. The organization, under new leadership with Chaim Bloom, needs to prioritize acquiring effective starting pitchers to reverse this troubling trend.
With a careful balance of selling off veteran arms while targeting offensive upgrades and pitching reinforcements, the Cardinals could navigate this trade deadline successfully. As they chart their course for the remainder of the season, returning to prominence hinges on shoring up their roster strategically and decisively.