Last week brought plenty of headlines towards the MLB trade market including the St. Louis Cardinals as they finally made the decision to sell off some pieces at the Trade Deadline. Even after John Mozeliak made that proclamation, the Cardinals 26-man roster remains the same except for starter Erick Fedde, who was designated for assignment on Wednesday.

Since then, rumors have continued to swirl and there have been a couple of trades made which officially kicks off the trade season. Arizona traded Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners and received a couple prospects in return. The Orioles sent out reliever Gregory Soto for minor leaguers, including the Mets’ 19th-best prospect. Most recently, the Yankees filled their hole at third base with Ryan McMahon, not Nolan Arenado as others had speculated for far too long.

It is hard to determine what the returns mean for the Cardinals as the only player comparable to any that St. Louis is looking to deal is Soto. Most likely, the Cardinals will deal from their bullpen, with closer Ryan Helsley stating he is “90% gone, 10% staying”, with Phil Maton and Steven Matz on expiring contracts and looking to be dealt. It is possible the Cardinals will go beyond their bullpen and can look to clear out some roster spots by dealing from what they determine to be positions of depth, being left-handed outfielders or catchers, while also fielding calls on Arenado.

MLB Trade Rumors surrounding the St. Louis Cardinals:

• Ryan Helsley believes he is likely to be dealt, even though he would like to stay in St. Louis. The Phillies have been the most often connected team. Katie Woo says a trade is “unavoidable“. It would be a shock to me if Helsley were not traded. If he sticks, the Cardinals would have to work out an extension quickly or extend a qualifying offer.
• Derrick Goold says the Cardinals could listen on reliever John King and infielder Nolan Gorman, despite having team control beyond this year. It is hard to imagine any taker for the lefty reliever and I would be surprised if the Cardinals sold low on Gorman.
• Jon Heyman says the Yankees could be interested in Brendan Donovan but acknowledged the Cardinals may not be willing to take calls on their veteran leader. I do not see Donovan going anywhere.
• After being matched to Rays starter Taj Bradley, Tampa Bay optioned Bradley down to Triple-A which could potentially lower their asking price on the young starter. I am still 100% in on Bradley and hope the demotion brings the prospect capital down slightly.