Depending on the St. Louis Cardinals’ strategies concerning their payroll and which veterans on their roster may be available for trade, a player like Miles Mikolas doesn’t necessarily ”need” to be dealt, despite his recent struggles on the field.
Hear me out before you bombard me with criticism.
I’m not claiming that Mikolas is an overlooked veteran starter poised for a comeback next season or that he holds more value than is generally assumed. The reality is straightforward: he has not performed well. If the Cardinals intend to contend in 2025, keeping Mikolas does not seem advisable.
However, considering how many other veterans the Cardinals might trade this offseason, it appears less “necessary” to trade or release Mikolas from my perspective. Here’s the rationale.
Let’s briefly examine the Cardinals’ rotation. If the team opts to pay the $1 million buyouts for Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson this offseason and allows them to enter free agency, that would leave the rotation consisting of Sonny Gray, Andre Pallante, Erick Fedde, Michael McGreevy, and either Steven Matz or Mikolas. Players like Quinn Mathews, Sem Robberse, Matthew Liberatore, and Gordon Graceffo could also vie for positions, but it’s not strictly “critical” that any of them begin the season in the rotation. In fact, it might be more beneficial to have them ready for deployment when St. Louis decides to utilize them, rather than rushing them into the rotation before they are adequately prepared.
Now, consider the scenario where the Cardinals decide to part ways with Gray and/or Matz, as they are certainly easier to trade than Mikolas. This would leave the team with possibly only two or three reliable arms for Opening Day: Fedde, Pallante, and McGreevy. Even then, one must account for potential injuries. It’s conceivable that the Cardinals might also choose to trade Fedde this offseason, given his trade value.
From my viewpoint, the Cardinals should prioritize trading Matz and Fedde over Mikolas. Fedde could yield a solid return this offseason before hitting free agency next year. Matz, with a smaller salary than Mikolas, also offers bullpen versatility. If the Cardinals aim to deal Mikolas, they would need to absorb a significant amount of his salary and expect little in return. Why not trade players who can free up cash and provide valuable returns?
Returning to Gray, do the Cardinals “need” to trade him? Not at all. If Gray prefers to stay, they simply cannot trade him due to his no-trade clause. If he is amenable to both staying and being traded, the Cardinals can explore offers and make decisions based on that. The only circumstance that would create a “need” to trade Gray would be if he formally requests one, which could very well happen.
A similar situation exists with Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado. I believe Contreras would have genuine value on the trade market, and if an enticing offer comes in, it’s worth considering. However, if the offers do not meet expectations or if the Cardinals are confident that Contreras can contribute to a competitive team in 2026 and beyond, retaining him may be the better option. While Arenado might lack significant trade value, he would certainly bring more to the Cardinals than a less experienced player.
So, regarding Mikolas, Matz, Gray, Contreras, and Arenado, do the Cardinals “need” to trade any of them? Not really. Is it likely that they will trade a few or even many of these players? I believe so. Nonetheless, contrary to what some might be proposing, I don’t see any of these players as “must trades” this offseason.
So what’s next? Are there Cardinals who I consider as ”need-to-trade” candidates this offseason? Yes, two in particular.
The standard caveat applies: if the Cardinals fail to receive the appropriate offers for these players, it’s acceptable to keep them. However, it is very likely that teams will present enticing offers for these two players that they should not ignore.
Ryan Helsley and Erick Fedde.
To elaborate on Fedde from earlier, I researched trade comparisons recently and found the Oakland Athletics’ 2022 trade of Chris Bassit to the New York Mets to be a relevant benchmark for what the Cardinals might obtain for Fedde. While not an eye-catching package, it would provide significant value to the Cardinals’ farm system as they aim to enhance it.
Fedde’s contract extends through 2025 at just $7.5 million—a tremendous bargain considering his performance this past season. It would be in the Cardinals’ best interests to trade him to teams seeking pitching this offseason instead of keeping him for an additional year.
Helsley will also be a free agent after the 2025 season, but he could yield a greater return than Fedde. Some have downplayed Helsley’s trade value, yet I believe he will be among the more valuable trade assets on the market this offseason. If the Cardinals aren’t contending in 2025, retaining a closer like Helsley doesn’t make much sense. It’s wise to capitalize on his trade value.
Aside from these two, I feel the Cardinals should engage in further trades, but it’s premature to determine who must be traded at this point. We remain uncertain about the anticipated payroll for the Cardinals in 2025. Will they need to make substantial cuts due to their investments in player development and the unpredictable situation with their TV revenue? If so, it’s likely that many players I’ve mentioned will be traded. However, if the necessity to trim about $80 million from their payroll does not arise, there’s a good chance that some of these players will stay.
We will soon gain clarity on the Cardinals’ precise direction, and the market will significantly influence what transpires. At this moment, I believe it is premature to assert that anyone outside of Helsley or Fedde “needs” to be traded this offseason.
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# Navigating the Trade Landscape: Evaluating the Necessity of Moving Cardinals Veterans This Offseason
## Understanding the Current Landscape
As the St. Louis Cardinals gear up for the offseason, the landscape of Major League Baseball is shifting. With the trade market buzzing and teams jockeying for position, the question arises: should the Cardinals consider moving their veteran players? This article explores the necessity of trading Cardinals veterans, analyzing potential benefits, strategic implications, and the overall impact on the team’s future.
### Why Consider Trading Veterans?
**1. Rebuilding and Youth Movement**
The Cardinals have a rich history of success, but recent seasons have shown inconsistencies. Trading veterans can facilitate a shift toward a younger roster, allowing the organization to rebuild effectively. By evaluating the performance and potential of younger players, the team can create a more dynamic lineup for the future.
**2. Financial Flexibility**
Veteran contracts can often be sizable, impacting a team’s budget and flexibility in acquiring new talent. Moving veterans can free up salary cap space, enabling the Cardinals to pursue key free agents or invest in farm system players who show promise.
**3. Capitalizing on Trade Value**
Veteran players often hold significant trade value. By assessing the market, the Cardinals can make calculated decisions, maximizing the return on investments in the form of promising prospects, young players, or valuable draft picks.
## Evaluating Key Cardinals Veterans for Trade
### Notable Veterans on the Trade Block
| Player Name | Position | Age | Contract Status | Trade Value Estimation |
|——————–|——————|—–|———————–|———————–|
| Paul Goldschmidt | First Base | 35 | 2 years left | High |
| Adam Wainwright | Pitcher | 42 | Expiring contract | Moderate |
| Yadier Molina | Catcher | 41 | Retired after 2023 | Low |
| Tyler O’Neill | Outfield | 28 | 3 years left | Moderate |
### Detailed Analysis of Each Player
#### Paul Goldschmidt
**Pros:**
– Consistent offensive performance and leadership qualities.
– High trade value, making him an attractive asset for contenders.
**Cons:**
– Aging player with potential decline in performance.
– Large contract could deter some teams.
#### Adam Wainwright
**Pros:**
– Veteran experience and knowledge, invaluable for mentoring young pitchers.
– Expiring contract offers flexibility for both parties.
**Cons:**
– Age and injury history may limit his effectiveness.
– Teams may see him as a short-term solution rather than a long-term asset.
#### Yadier Molina
**Pros:**
– Legendary status in St. Louis, providing invaluable experience to younger players.
– Could serve as a mentor within the organization before retirement.
**Cons:**
– Officially retired, limiting trade possibilities.
– His production has declined significantly.
#### Tyler O’Neill
**Pros:**
– Young player with considerable upside.
– Attractive to teams looking for potential breakout stars.
**Cons:**
– Injury history raises concerns about reliability.
– Trade value might not be as high as other veterans.
## Benefits of Moving Veterans
### 1. Opening Roster Spots for Young Talent
Trading veterans creates opportunities for younger players to step up. By integrating fresh talent into the lineup, the team can inject energy and enthusiasm, providing fans with a glimpse of the future.
### 2. Strengthening the Farm System
By trading veterans, the Cardinals can acquire valuable prospects who can contribute to the team’s long-term plans. Building a strong farm system is essential for sustained success, and trading veterans is an effective way to bolster that system.
### 3. Enhancing Team Chemistry
Sometimes, moving on from established players can reshape team dynamics. Young players often bring a different perspective and enthusiasm that can positively impact the clubhouse environment.
## Practical Tips for a Successful Trade
### 1. Assess Player Performance
Evaluate the performance metrics of potential trade candidates. Consider not only recent stats but also their historical performance and injury history. This will provide a comprehensive overview of their current value.
### 2. Research Trade Market
Stay informed about the needs of other teams. Identify franchises that may be looking for specific positions or veteran leadership. This knowledge can help you negotiate better deals.
### 3. Build Relationships with Other GMs
Networking with other general managers can pave the way for successful trades. Building rapport can lead to mutual understanding and more favorable trade conditions.
### 4. Timing is Key
The offseason is a crucial time for trade negotiations. Monitor the market closely and be prepared to act quickly when opportunities arise.
## Case Studies: Successful Veteran Trades in MLB History
### Example 1: David Price to the Blue Jays
In 2015, the Detroit Tigers traded ace David Price to the Toronto Blue Jays. The Tigers received highly regarded prospects in return, including Daniel Norris, who has since made significant contributions to their rotation. This trade allowed the Tigers to focus on rebuilding while giving the Blue Jays a postseason ace.
### Example 2: Giancarlo Stanton to the Yankees
In a blockbuster deal in 2017, the Miami Marlins traded Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees. The Marlins received several promising prospects, enabling them to revamp their organization. For the Yankees, Stanton provided an immediate offensive boost, demonstrating that a trade can benefit both parties.
## First-Hand Experience: The Impact of Trading Veterans
As a devoted Cardinals fan, witnessing the trades of key veterans has always been bittersweet. The departure of players like Jim Edmonds and Chris Carpenter marked a transition period for the franchise. However, the influx of future stars like Colby Rasmus and Jack Flaherty illustrated the importance of trading veterans for the franchise’s long-term success.
### Fan Sentiment and Team Identity
While trading popular veterans can evoke mixed feelings among fans, it’s crucial to prioritize the team’s future success. Balancing nostalgia with practical strategy is essential for the Cardinals to thrive in the ever-evolving MLB landscape.
## Conclusion
Navigating the trade landscape requires careful consideration and strategic planning. By evaluating the necessity of moving Cardinals veterans this offseason, the team can position itself for a successful future. With an eye on rebuilding, financial flexibility, and the potential to strengthen their roster, the Cardinals have critical decisions to make as they embark on this offseason journey.
