The St. Louis Cardinals: Buyers at the MLB Trade Deadline?
The St. Louis Cardinals have been on a hot streak in June, and they are hoping to continue their success by making some strategic moves at the upcoming MLB trade deadline. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the latest update is a promising one for the Cardinals’ chances of landing their ideal pitcher.
In his recent article, Nightengale reports that the Arizona Diamondbacks are expected to be sellers at the trade deadline, as confirmed by rival executives. It seems that the Diamondbacks have no choice but to part ways with some of their top players if they want to have a chance at competing in 2026.
This news bodes well for the Cardinals, who are still in the market to make some acquisitions. With the Diamondbacks looking to sell and the Cardinals looking to buy, there are two players in particular who could be strong additions to the Cardinals’ roster.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Cardinals to see if they can secure the perfect pitcher to bolster their team. Will they be able to make a deal with the Diamondbacks and come out on top? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the Cardinals are determined to make a splash in the trade market and solidify their position as contenders in the MLB.
The St. Louis Cardinals are Ready to Make Moves at the MLB Trade Deadline
After a strong June, the St. Louis Cardinals were looking like serious contenders in the NL Wild Card race. However, recent struggles have put them 2.5 games out of a playoff spot. Despite this setback, the Cardinals are still determined to make moves at the trade deadline.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Arizona Diamondbacks are expected to be sellers at the deadline. This news is music to the Cardinals’ ears, as it increases their chances of landing their ideal pitcher.
The Diamondbacks’ decision to sell is due to their belief that they cannot compete in 2026. This creates a perfect opportunity for the Cardinals to swoop in and make a deal for one of their top pitchers.
Two names that stand out as potential targets for the Cardinals are starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Both would be valuable additions to the Cardinals’ rotation.
With Arizona falling 6.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, they are now in the seller’s market. This means they will be open to moving players on expiring contracts, including Gallen, Kelly, Eugenio Suarez, and Josh Naylor.
While the Cardinals may not necessarily need any offensive additions, the availability of these starters is a major plus for the team. The Cardinals have been in the market for starting pitchers for some time now, and the struggles of Miles Mikolas and Erick Fedde have only intensified this need.
Mikolas and Fedde have both struggled this season, with Fedde holding a 4.83 ERA and a 3-9 record in 19 starts, and Mikolas sporting a 4.94 ERA and a 5-6 record in 18 starts. The Cardinals could potentially move on from both of these struggling veterans, but it would require different approaches. Fedde could be traded or cut, while Mikolas has a full no-trade clause and would have to be waived.
If the Cardinals were able to acquire either Gallen or Kelly, it would make it much easier to move on from both Mikolas and Fedde. This is why Nightengale’s update is such great news for the team.
With a limited starting pitching market, the more options available, the better the Cardinals’ chances of landing a quality starter to pair with Sonny Gray in the rotation. This latest update from Nightengale gives the Cardinals a much-needed boost in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
