Cardinals Rumors: Two Starting Pitchers Could Be Traded If Struggles Continue

St. Louis mine as well reset if the season doesn't turn around soon

The St. Louis Cardinals were considered to be favorites in the National League Central by just about every major sportsbook to open the season.

While their odds are still surprisingly high to claim the division crown, the Cardinals' 13-25 start has thrown the organization for a loop. On one hand, the team has the worst record in the National League. However, they still are just 6 1/2 games back of a Wild Card spot and have 124 games to get back on track. 

If St. Louis does not figure it out, they'll have to sell at the deadline -- at least to some degree. With the long-term outlook of the organization still favorable and the current slide so unexpected, they'll certainly avoid a complete firesale. The impending free agents will have to be in play though. 

Fox Sports' Jake Mintz gave some insight into which players on expiring contracts would be considered in trade talks for the Cardinals. 

"For St. Louis, that’s Jack Flaherty and Jordan Montgomery," Mintz wrote. "Flaherty has struggled in seven starts this year but was such a force pre-injuries that a team could be enticed. Montgomery, who was acquired last year at the deadline for Harrison Bader, has been outstanding as a Cardinal."

Montgomery would be a high-level trade asset should the Cardinals put him on the trade block. In most situations, it would be a no-brainer to deal the big southpaw.

However, Montgomery has posted a 3.53 ERA with a 102-to-25 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 1.18 WHIP in 109 2/3 innings across 19 starts since joining the Cardinals. It would make a lot of sense to extend him as a significant part of the rotation moving forward.

As for Flaherty, it would make sense if he ended up on a fringe or even non-contender that wants to attempt to get the once-promising frontline starter back on track. He certainly would be a trade candidate should the slump continue. 

It would not be shocking if the Cardinals went on a small run and ended up buying at the deadline but it's time to start preparing for the worst.

More MLB: Tigers' Ace Linked To Cardinals In Potential Blockbuster Trade