The trade deadline is less than a week away. The Cardinals returned home after a rough road trip and picked up a 9-7 win over the Padres last night. That moved them to within 2 1⁄2 games of the final Wild Card spot. However, is it enough to change their minds about what they’ll do at the trade deadline.
When John Mozeliak spoke to the media in Denver, he sure seemed to indicate he was leaning towards selling. He probably hasn’t fully decided yet, but he made it sound like he was open for business.
Then after Wednesday’s 6-0 loss to the Rockies, Katie Woo tweeted that the series loss in Denver all but sealed the Cardinals deadline fate. Derrick Goold followed it up with an article yesterday saying the Cardinals are leaning towards selling.
And so, what do I think of this? Well, I think it’s the right call. I’ve been beating the drum on selling for a long time, and I think they’re finally starting to realize that this team isn’t a true contender. Yes, they gained a game in the standings last night and are within striking distance, but when you look at this team, it’s clear it’s not built to reach the postseason.
I don’t think last night’s win will or should change their approach. At this point, we’ve seen enough. The starting rotation has fallen apart. The offense is also in decline. That puts a lot of pressure on the bullpen to be perfect, as well as constantly be forced to work more innings than usual.
The signs are there. They’ve been there for some time. The insiders all know it, and Mo seems to know it too. It’s best to punt on 2025 to set up Chaim Bloom for success in 2026 and beyond. Bloom needs to have a clean slate, and I think everybody is starting to see what most of the fanbase has been seeing for the longest time.
They’ve already somewhat started selling by designating Erick Fedde for assignment and opening up a rotation spot for Michael McGreevy. He’ll finally get the runway he deserves. That leaves three players on expiring contracts to be dealt.
Ryan Helsley slammed the door on the Padres in the ninth inning to pick up his 20th save. His trade value was already through the roof, with Bob Nightengale reporting that five contenders were in a bidding war for him. But it went up with last night’s save.
Phil Maton pitched a perfect top of the eighth. He’ll certainly bring back a solid prospect or two. Even JoJo Romero could be a trade candidate despite not being on an expiring contract. If he does go, he’s boosted his value quite a bit and he did it again last night with another scoreless appearance.
The only other trade candidate that didn’t appear last night was Steven Matz, but the Cardinals are already fielding interest in him as well, as they should be.
We don’t know when Mo will start dealing. He has repeatedly said that he’s willing to wait until the final three days. I personally would like him to start as soon as possible. There’s nothing left to find out about this team. They’re a clear seller. But I do wonder if with his latest comments and the latest news he’ll be willing to start sooner.
Either way, it appears that reality has finally set in for the Cardinals. It sucks to sell. It sucks to realize your team isn’t a true contender, and you never want to go down that path. But it’s ultimately for the best.
The farm system is depleted thanks to various pitching injuries, and it’s time for Mo and Bloom to replenish their stock of arms. It appears that Mo has finally swallowed his pride and put the interests of Bloom and the organization above his own. Even a sweep shouldn’t change that. If the Cardinals were to somehow reach the playoffs, they would be swept in the Wild Card round.
I would expect all three rental relievers to be traded before the deadline next week, and hopefully they can land some really good prospects in exchange.
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