Cardinals Outfielder Reportedly Going To Be 'Likely Trade Chip' To Bolster Rotation
The St. Louis Cardinal have a tough task this offseason after a last-place finish in the National League Central.
The organization has set out to rebuild the rotation with at least three new impact starters.
Given the Cardinals' history of modest spending, it's unlikely that free agency will be the path used to acquire all three hurlers. With that said, a trade for a quality starter is expected at some point this winter, and St. Louis has a pretty clear idea of who will be on the trade block.
"Dylan Carlson is a likely trade chip this winter, and perhaps Alec Burleson as well, though the Cardinals like Burleson’s bat-to-ball skills from the left side," The Athletic's Katie Woo wrote Tuesday. "Tyler O’Neill’s perceived trade value has never been lower, but if there’s a suitor for the oft-injured outfielder, St. Louis will jump on it. There are also decisions to be made about players like Juan Yepez and Luken Baker, who are bat-first players facing significant blocks at the big-league level."
Carlson hit .219 with 14 extra-base hits including five home runs, 27 RBIs and a .651 OPS (79 OPS+) in 76 games. The 24-year-old had a down year comparatively to his first two full seasons and could be on the outside of a highly competitive outfield group. He's also a controllable young player that could be coveted by teams with a surplus of young pitching such as the Miami Marlins and Cleveland Guardians.
O'Neill seems like a lock to be traded at this point as St. Louis has leaned into the youth movement and he's only under contract through 2024.
The Cardinals certainly would be wise to move Baker after his 33-home run season with Triple-A Memphis -- though they could wait another year with the idea of Baker supplanting Paul Goldschmidt at first base in 2025.
Yepez is a much-needed depth player but would be available should a team with pitching have interest.
The Cardinals have a long list of intriguing position players who are good enough to return a solid starter via trade. The best part is that they can keep all everyday starters should they choose to do so while bringing in an impact arm.
The trade market likely won't heat up until December but rumors will continue to fly until then.
More MLB: Cardinals 'Plan To Pursue' All-Star Starter Among Other Impact Hurlers
