Top 40 Trade Candidates

[Hoosier59]

The Cardinals have Donovan at #3, Gray at #5, Romero at #27, Gorman at #30, Arenado at #34 and Contreras at #35. They could obviously trade other players that maybe rank higher, but these are the players that are deemed most likely to be traded, or at least attempted to be traded.
#1 and #2 on the list are Mackenzie Gore and Joe Ryan. Both pitchers would greatly improve the Cardinals, but doubtful that they have the prospects to get a deal done. Mitch Keller, and Pablo Lopez are #’s 4 and 6, but again these teams are looking for prospects.
Sandy Alcantara is #10 and a possibility. Kyle Freeland is #21, might not cost much in prospects, but is he an improvement?
Edward Cabrera is #39. He pitched the most innings hes thrown in awhile. He’s an injury risk and Miami will what a lot in return.
#40 is Tarik Skubal, the whole world will want him, so it will be a huge bidding war in prospects, and talent.
Those are the pitchers that the Cardinals could have interest in. I’m not sure a see any good matches other than maybe the Miami pitchers. Possibly the Twins, who are also rebuilding and cutting payroll, but do the Cardinals have enough prospects to give or are willing to give in order to get a deal done?
Hitting wise:
Jarren Duran is #12 and Wilyer Abreu is #13, both with the Red Sox. Several of Boston’s best prospects are also an outfielders.
Taylor Ward and Joe Adell, both with the Angels come in at #15, and #16. Both players had 97 RBI’s, and hit over 30 homers, but hit for low average and high in K’s. Either one would be the right hand hitting outfielder the Cardinals need.
Alec Bohm is #20, and Nick Castellanos #33 are with Phillies.
These are all established players, so will the Cardinals be in the market for any of these guys?
I like Gore, but he’s left handed and most of our pitching prospects are as well. I also like Ward or Adell. Ward is more of a sure thing but more expensive.
Thoughts?

[kyace]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

[JuanAgosto]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

[Hoosier59]

I agree the Cardinals may want mostly prospects, but in order to move some of their veterans they may have to take on some contracts in return. Ward and Adell, for instance would fill a Cardinal need. Neither are terribly expensive and the Angels probably need to move one of them.
In the past the Cardinals were very successful at acquiring players before free agency and selling them on the team to sign back with them. Bloom has stated that there could be some money to spend in the right deal, especially if some of their expensive contracts are moved. Just because they aren’t planning on winning in 2026, doesn’t mean that they are going to completely tank either. If the right player is available I believe the Cardinals won’t just let him pass by.
With all the money coming off of the books, there is no reason for the Cardinals not to spend some on some specific needs.
If they don’t, then the DeWitts are just being cheap and have totally quit trying. I don’t believe Bloom would have signed on for that.
I guess we’ll see?

[craviduce]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

agreed...taking big contracts or players owed a bit of money each year, that's not part of the business plan the next few seasons.

Prospects, Lottery Tickets, and maybe some draft picks....

[renostl]

I agree the Cardinals may want mostly prospects, but in order to move some of their veterans they may have to take on some contracts in return. Ward and Adell, for instance would fill a Cardinal need. Neither are terribly expensive and the Angels probably need to move one of them.
In the past the Cardinals were very successful at acquiring players before free agency and selling them on the team to sign back with them. Bloom has stated that there could be some money to spend in the right deal, especially if some of their expensive contracts are moved. Just because they aren’t planning on winning in 2026, doesn’t mean that they are going to completely tank either. If the right player is available I believe the Cardinals won’t just let him pass by.
With all the money coming off of the books, there is no reason for the Cardinals not to spend some on some specific needs.
If they don’t, then the DeWitts are just being cheap and have totally quit trying. I don’t believe Bloom would have signed on for that.
I guess we’ll see?

You have some valid reasons there.
I don’t expect them to want to put a poor
team on the field.
Arms are needed just to get through 2026.
The NTC boys have their own complications in any move.
I think that they'll want controllable players.
Exceptions may exist in if the acquisition is seen
as a player that could be flipped.

[Zizzle1297]

So the plan is to gather a bunch of prospects and younger player that may or might not work out than we end up like these other annually BAD teams! No wonder fans stop showing up.

I dont see what others see in JJ? Walker is horrible! Victor Scott II is horrible

Donovan and Burleson are okay

Lets bring in some big bats like Kyle Scwarber and Pete Alsono

[ScotchMIrish]

here is the link

[ScotchMIrish]

I'll be surprised if they get anything of substance for Arenado and I'll be surprised if we sign any more no trade deals.

[CCard]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

[sikeston bulldog2]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

My view is it was a three year ish remake, starting with the loss of Goldie. My position is by 2027 season, we should be entertaining.

[CCard]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

My view is it was a three year ish remake, starting with the loss of Goldie. My position is by 2027 season, we should be entertaining.

My view is they can compete for a playoff spot next year. Add a top tier pitcher, put a run producer in left and strengthen the bullpen and they are a playoff contender. Get in and anything can happen. I hoping for big improvement from Walker and Scott. Trade Arenado or Donovan and bring up Whetherholt. Stick Liam in the rotation and let him run with it. This team is closer than people want to think.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

My view is it was a three year ish remake, starting with the loss of Goldie. My position is by 2027 season, we should be entertaining.

My view is they can compete for a playoff spot next year. Add a top tier pitcher, put a run producer in left and strengthen the bullpen and they are a playoff contender. Get in and anything can happen. I hoping for big improvement from Walker and Scott. Trade Arenado or Donovan and bring up Whetherholt. Stick Liam in the rotation and let him run with it. This team is closer than people want to think.

It may be your view that they can compete next year with these moves, and maybe they could, but you haven't been listening- they aren't going that route. They have laid out a path that is different from that.

[hugeCardfan]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

My view is it was a three year ish remake, starting with the loss of Goldie. My position is by 2027 season, we should be entertaining.

My view is they can compete for a playoff spot next year. Add a top tier pitcher, put a run producer in left and strengthen the bullpen and they are a playoff contender. Get in and anything can happen. I hoping for big improvement from Walker and Scott. Trade Arenado or Donovan and bring up Whetherholt. Stick Liam in the rotation and let him run with it. This team is closer than people want to think.

It may be your view that they can compete next year with these moves, and maybe they could, but you haven't been listening- they aren't going that route. They have laid out a path that is different from that.

I agree. Sure, they could take a shot at a power move next year but I think they would fear shooting their wad. The farm is becoming impressive but not far enough along to count on the FA market to simply fill a couple gaps. We'd be right back where we were 3-5 years ago money wise and DeWitt would be on Bloom like ugly on a bear.

The Cardinals want to fill as many gaps as possible with farm promotions and trade. They want youth and promise. The International market will get a lot of attention. They want a young rotation that won't bend much and, only then, augment. We just aren't there. But, the plan is in place and the momentum is beginning to build. Timing is important.

[JuanAgosto]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

The organization has said over and over it is not increasing payroll. 2026 is another rebuild. They are not making any major signings. It'll be one cost effective starting pitcher and maybe a reliever. They are not signing any major player that puts them in contention. THEY ARE FOCUSING ON BUILDING FROM WITHIN.

If you expect major changes this winter, you'll be very disappointed. But go ahead and wait for it.

[renostl]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

My view is it was a three year ish remake, starting with the loss of Goldie. My position is by 2027 season, we should be entertaining.

My view is they can compete for a playoff spot next year. Add a top tier pitcher, put a run producer in left and strengthen the bullpen and they are a playoff contender. Get in and anything can happen. I hoping for big improvement from Walker and Scott. Trade Arenado or Donovan and bring up Whetherholt. Stick Liam in the rotation and let him run with it. This team is closer than people want to think.

It may be your view that they can compete next year with these moves, and maybe they could, but you haven't been listening- they aren't going that route. They have laid out a path that is different from that.

In Blooms introduction press conference it was stated that competing is the goal while
there will be no short cuts to getting there.

That has a lot of room for interpretation. What's competing? Since they play a sport they're
already competing. My interpretation was and is that they weren't going to buy their way
out of the situation. Tucker etc. aren't anywhere in the thought process.

We'll see over the next couple months maybe sooner what is meant. A trade could change
spending needs. Pitching is a need that increases if Gray is moved.