Cardinals predicted to potentially embrace fire sale at trade deadline
They haven't decided whether to buy, sell, both, or potentially stand pat. There are certainly several options available to them.
The Cards have plenty of trade chips on expiring contracts, particularly in their bullpen, which includes Ryan Helsley, Steven Matz and Phil Maton.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report predicts that when all is said and done, St. Louis could be true sellers in the coming weeks.
"Like Cincinnati, St. Louis squandered a chance to make a move in this crowded NL wild-card picture, breaking even in its six games at home against a pair of teams going nowhere fast. Wilting in the late innings of what was a bullpen game for the Braves on Saturday was the dagger, setting up what might be a 'Loser Embraces a Fire Sale' series with Arizona this weekend," Miller wrote.
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Helsley, Matz and Maton could all bring back solid returns for a team that desperately needs more pitching in the farm system to set them up for 2026 and beyond.
They are only 1 1/2 games back in the Wild Card race, but it's clear that their current roster, even if they add to it, is not capable of competing with the likes of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers and others.
It could be a long second half for the Cardinals, who are starting to show some signs of slowing down. Perhaps this could lead to them unloading some of their expiring contracts.
They will have a new front office next season, so it makes sense to set Chaim Bloom up for success in 2026 and beyond. It will be interesting to see how St. Louis approaches the deadline.
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