What Will the Cardinals Do at the Trade Deadline?

The Cardinals are in an interesting spot. They are 5 games out of the division, but are 2.5 games out of the wild card. That's why I’m answering this question. What will the Cardinals do at the Trade Deadline? Let’s jump into it.

I’ll be answering this question through three other questions. 

WHAT IF THEY ARE IN A PLAYOFF SPOT?

Well then they are buyers. Now let’s move on to question 2. Just kidding. It’s much more complicated than that. If they are in a playoff spot I imagine they buy, but not with their young talent. Don’t expect players like JJ Wetherholt, Tink Hence, or Victor Scott II to get traded. But expect players like Nolan Gorman, Steven Matz, Zach Plesac, and Luken Baker to possibly get moved. Expect them to go after starting pitching help, and some offensive help. Some specific targets include Tomoyuki Sugano (for pitching), and Luis Robert Jr./Jarren Duran (for hitting).

WHAT IF THEY ARE ON THE CUSP OF CONTENTION?

Expect them to stand pat. Maybe a few additions, but nothing big. If they are on the cusp of contention, they should hold on to Arenado, Helsley, and Fedde. A subtle bullpen addition like Kyle Finnegan would do the Cardinals well. Again, don’t expect their young guys to be traded. If they are on the cusp of contention, it might be a quiet trade deadline.

WHAT IF THEY ARE OUT OF PLAYOFF CONTENTION?

Everyone is saying that they will trade off Arenado, if they are out of contention. But I say that they have to get the right offer. If not they’ll hang onto him. If he is having a good season, the Cardinals should be targeting (to get in return) a meh (but proven) player at the major league level, and 2 prospects on that team's top 30. For Helsley, they should be targeting 1 top 100 prospect (according to MLB Pipeline), 2 prospects that are on that team's top 30, and 1 decent proven bat. 

OTHER TRADE CANDIDATES (BESIDES ARENADO AND HELSLEY)

Erick Fedde

Steven Matz

Willson Contreras

Thanks for reading!