Everyone not named Wetherholt is tradeable: Jeff Passan says club is listening on Burley

[Bully4you]

Makes sense.
Burley is a little old for a 7-8 year rebuild.
May as well move him as well.
Team needs pitching, pitching, pitching.
I'd move Jordan Walker too while his trade value high.
Try and snag some high-end pitching prospects this time.

I mean we have at least 7-8 more years before they could contend, right?

[ramfandan]

Yes, Bloom is 'listening' on Burley. Just the other day , I talked to my Cardinal buddy and mentioned 'Would it surprise you if Bloom traded him ? it would not me . His reply , 'Oh no way , they would trade Burley ! Note: you should know my friend is they type to have been opposed to trading other high profile names in the past. He claimed Arendao would be a Cardinal til retirement after Nado exclaimed how much he liked St. Louis .. He said Goldy would be re-signed , on an on . He even wanted Bader kept as a reserve defensive OF late in games. TOld him that was highly unlikely.
He finally came around to being open about trading Nootbaar but think that happened because he read the numerouls articles that he is on the trade block .
It seems that Bloom wants to build the team around JJ Wetherholt (obviously ..the long term contract ) and Jordan Walker . All others could be had with the right deal . Bloom will 'listen' and don't see any others that are strictly off limits even Masyn Winn (thought personally I highly value a Gold Glove fielding SS ). Always smart to be 'open-minded' to hear what others may offer for any player .

[hotrivets]

I get the theory of trading some of the few decent players we have to get a greater future return from a team trying to win right now but how often does that return really materialize? Are our talent evaluators better than our coaches and manager?

Plus the game is just barely watchable now. Some of you say that is okay to build a better team for the future but that assumes the owners will continue to fund this for years with declining revenue. I don't think so. They need viewers and butts in the seats.

[rockondlouie]

Makes perfect sense

If the return was right, then I'd deal Walker, Winn, Burly, Pallante, RO'B, ect..........

Only off limits for me are JJW & I. Herrera and of course the untouchable R. R.

JMO

[rbirules]

Makes perfect sense

If the return was right, then I'd deal Walker, Winn, Burly, Pallante, RO'B, ect..........

Only off limits for me are JJW & I. Herrera and of course the untouchable R. R.

JMO

JJ is my only untouchable. R.R. is about a close as it gets for a prospect as I can't envision a move where it makes sense to trade him, but we have lots of catchers and if he returned an elite MLB player at a position of need I'd at least have to consider it.

Walker is in a tier below them by himself. I'd live to build around him, but that requires an extension and/or ownership willing to spend on the rest of the roster in the near term. If that isn't realistic then seeking high makes a lot of sense, as much as it pains me to say that.

Everybody else is expendable in the right deal including our only other good hitters in Burleson and Herrera.

[rockondlouie]

Makes perfect sense

If the return was right, then I'd deal Walker, Winn, Burly, Pallante, RO'B, ect..........

Only off limits for me are JJW & I. Herrera and of course the untouchable R. R.

JMO

JJ is my only untouchable. R.R. is about a close as it gets for a prospect as I can't envision a move where it makes sense to trade him, but we have lots of catchers and if he returned an elite MLB player at a position of need I'd at least have to consider it.

Walker is in a tier below them by himself. I'd live to build around him, but that requires an extension and/or ownership willing to spend on the rest of the roster in the near term. If that isn't realistic then seeking high makes a lot of sense, as much as it pains me to say that.

Everybody else is expendable in the right deal including our only other good hitters in Burleson and Herrera.

See I'm building around JJW & Herrera who has a much longer and more established record as one of the best RHHer's in MLB since 2024.

I'm not sure Cardinals Nation realizes just how valuable Herrera, with three years of low cost control, is.

Thanks to Bernie who's now on my side in this debate for doing this research:

12d. Since the start of the 2024 season, only 12 right-handed hitters with at least 1,000 plate appearances have a higher OPS+ than Herrera’s 124: Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., Willson Contreras, Byron Buxton, Junior Camineiro, Vlad Guerrero Jr., Mike Trout, Brent Rooker, Seiya Suzuki, Pete Alonso, Yandy Diaz and Will Smith.

Moreover, when he’s right Herrera is an on-base machine. Since the start of the 2023 season only 10 MLB hitters (from either side of the plate) have a higher OBP than Herrera’s .370.

Here's a video he did titled:

DON'T DO IT!
Trading Ivan Herrera Would Be a MISTAKE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHwmRs_EbxM

Sure C. Bloom has to pickup the phone when fellow POBO's call about him.

And if one were to offer a FOTR starter w/multiple years of control or their #1 prospect, then he may deal him.

Won't happen (IMO) as Bloom isn't dealing Herrera and no team is going to make that offer.

As for Walker, I'd love to add him to the "build around" mix but ONLY at the right price.

I'd NEVER go where some are suggesting ($200+M).

I'm not ignoring 2024/2025 or his second half slump (0 HR's/.215 .271 .277 .548).

I'm not one to get excited about batting practice (re: HR Derby) or make an irrational L-T deal based on a half of a season after the previous two were terrible.

Something around the JJW deal, $115M/6 years if fair for me.

Generational wealth while also allowing him to hit FA again at 30/31 yrs old.

Burly I'd deal for the right player but I'd want a major leaguer w/years of control, not a prospect.

[peterman'srealitytour]

Makes sense.
Burley is a little old for a 7-8 year rebuild.
May as well move him as well.
Team needs pitching, pitching, pitching.
I'd move Jordan Walker too while his trade value high.
Try and snag some high-end pitching prospects this time.

I mean we have at least 7-8 more years before they could contend, right?

Here is my trade deadline prediction. After this 7-8 year rebuild, you will still be watching cartoons in mom’s basement, yelling for her to bring the meatloaf and still whining like a schoolgirl who can’t find her Taylor Swift doll.

[rbirules]

Makes perfect sense

If the return was right, then I'd deal Walker, Winn, Burly, Pallante, RO'B, ect..........

Only off limits for me are JJW & I. Herrera and of course the untouchable R. R.

JMO

JJ is my only untouchable. R.R. is about a close as it gets for a prospect as I can't envision a move where it makes sense to trade him, but we have lots of catchers and if he returned an elite MLB player at a position of need I'd at least have to consider it.

Walker is in a tier below them by himself. I'd love to build around him, but that requires an extension and/or ownership willing to spend on the rest of the roster in the near term. If that isn't realistic then selling high makes a lot of sense, as much as it pains me to say that.

Everybody else is expendable in the right deal including our only other good hitters in Burleson and Herrera.

[ronnie76]

Makes perfect sense

If the return was right, then I'd deal Walker, Winn, Burly, Pallante, RO'B, ect..........

Only off limits for me are JJW & I. Herrera and of course the untouchable R. R.

JMO

JJ is my only untouchable. R.R. is about a close as it gets for a prospect as I can't envision a move where it makes sense to trade him, but we have lots of catchers and if he returned an elite MLB player at a position of need I'd at least have to consider it.

Walker is in a tier below them by himself. I'd live to build around him, but that requires an extension and/or ownership willing to spend on the rest of the roster in the near term. If that isn't realistic then seeking high makes a lot of sense, as much as it pains me to say that.

Everybody else is expendable in the right deal including our only other good hitters in Burleson and Herrera.

Agree, but I would not trade R.R. for a pitcher.

[rbirules]

Makes perfect sense

If the return was right, then I'd deal Walker, Winn, Burly, Pallante, RO'B, ect..........

Only off limits for me are JJW & I. Herrera and of course the untouchable R. R.

JMO

JJ is my only untouchable. R.R. is about a close as it gets for a prospect as I can't envision a move where it makes sense to trade him, but we have lots of catchers and if he returned an elite MLB player at a position of need I'd at least have to consider it.

Walker is in a tier below them by himself. I'd live to build around him, but that requires an extension and/or ownership willing to spend on the rest of the roster in the near term. If that isn't realistic then seeking high makes a lot of sense, as much as it pains me to say that.

Everybody else is expendable in the right deal including our only other good hitters in Burleson and Herrera.

See I'm building around JJW & Herrera who has a much longer and more established record as one of the best RHHer's in MLB since 2024.

I'm not sure Cardinals Nation realizes just how valuable Herrera, with three years of low cost control, is.

Thanks to Bernie who's now on my side in this debate for doing this research:

12d. Since the start of the 2024 season, only 12 right-handed hitters with at least 1,000 plate appearances have a higher OPS+ than Herrera’s 124: Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., Willson Contreras, Byron Buxton, Junior Camineiro, Vlad Guerrero Jr., Mike Trout, Brent Rooker, Seiya Suzuki, Pete Alonso, Yandy Diaz and Will Smith.

Moreover, when he’s right Herrera is an on-base machine. Since the start of the 2023 season only 10 MLB hitters (from either side of the plate) have a higher OBP than Herrera’s .370.

Here's a video he did titled:

DON'T DO IT!
Trading Ivan Herrera Would Be a MISTAKE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHwmRs_EbxM

Sure C. Bloom has to pickup the phone when fellow POBO's call about him.

And if one were to offer a FOTR starter w/multiple years of control or their #1 prospect, then he may deal him.

Won't happen (IMO) as Bloom isn't dealing Herrera and no team is going to make that offer.

As for Walker, I'd love to add him to the "build around" mix but ONLY at the right price.

I'd NEVER go where some are suggesting ($200+M).

I'm not ignoring 2024/2025 or his second half slump (0 HR's/.215 .271 .277 .548).

I'm not one to get excited about batting practice (re: HR Derby) or make an irrational L-T deal based on a half of a season after the previous two were terrible.

Something around the JJW deal, $115M/6 years if fair for me.

Generational wealth while also allowing him to hit FA again at 30/31 yrs old.

Burly I'd deal for the right player but I'd want a major leaguer w/years of control, not a prospect.

I'm by no means saying give Herrera away, it would take a very attractive package for me to move him. But like with Walker, if we're not adding to this roster in a substantial way in the next couple of years then everybody but JJ can, and probably should, be traded. Not the position i want to be in but if ownership isn't going to step up and commit to this team in the short term then this seems like the path forward. Especially with R.R. not too far away.

Hopefully the new CBA has a salary floor that forces their hand.

[Mort Gage]

Herrera and Burleson in a vacuum are good hitters. But you look at any real contender and they have power hitters. 1B/DH are two of the slots most likely to produce that. If you had mashers at other spots you could live with their production but this team outside of first half Walker doesn't.

[rbirules]

Makes perfect sense

If the return was right, then I'd deal Walker, Winn, Burly, Pallante, RO'B, ect..........

Only off limits for me are JJW & I. Herrera and of course the untouchable R. R.

JMO

JJ is my only untouchable. R.R. is about a close as it gets for a prospect as I can't envision a move where it makes sense to trade him, but we have lots of catchers and if he returned an elite MLB player at a position of need I'd at least have to consider it.

Walker is in a tier below them by himself. I'd live to build around him, but that requires an extension and/or ownership willing to spend on the rest of the roster in the near term. If that isn't realistic then seeking high makes a lot of sense, as much as it pains me to say that.

Everybody else is expendable in the right deal including our only other good hitters in Burleson and Herrera.

Agree, but I would not trade R.R. for a pitcher.

Yeah ideally it's for an elite position player (who, i don't know), even if getting a Kade Anderson, Hunter Greene, etc. would be appealing.

[Swuhgen]

Makes sense.
Burley is a little old for a 7-8 year rebuild.
May as well move him as well.
Team needs pitching, pitching, pitching.
I'd move Jordan Walker too while his trade value high.
Try and snag some high-end pitching prospects this time.

I mean we have at least 7-8 more years before they could contend, right?

7-8 years.
lol.

Ridiculous.

[ronnie76]

Makes perfect sense

If the return was right, then I'd deal Walker, Winn, Burly, Pallante, RO'B, ect..........

Only off limits for me are JJW & I. Herrera and of course the untouchable R. R.

JMO

JJ is my only untouchable. R.R. is about a close as it gets for a prospect as I can't envision a move where it makes sense to trade him, but we have lots of catchers and if he returned an elite MLB player at a position of need I'd at least have to consider it.

Walker is in a tier below them by himself. I'd live to build around him, but that requires an extension and/or ownership willing to spend on the rest of the roster in the near term. If that isn't realistic then seeking high makes a lot of sense, as much as it pains me to say that.

Everybody else is expendable in the right deal including our only other good hitters in Burleson and Herrera.

Agree, but I would not trade R.R. for a pitcher.

Yeah ideally it's for an elite position player (who, i don't know), even if getting a Kade Anderson, Hunter Greene, etc. would be appealing.

Yeah, pitchers are just too risky with injuries IMO. You could wind up with an Alex Reyes type.

[JDW]

Makes sense.
Burley is a little old for a 7-8 year rebuild.
May as well move him as well.
Team needs pitching, pitching, pitching.
I'd move Jordan Walker too while his trade value high.
Try and snag some high-end pitching prospects this time.

I mean we have at least 7-8 more years before they could contend, right?

First, it's not a 7 or 8 year rebuild before projecting to contend. That'd be a ridiculous target, and if that was the target, you'd consider trading everybody, basically rolling the dice hoping for a better result. Guess if you're desperate, you might as well try Vegas, but the Cards aren't desperate, instead in good position as they stay the course. The farm system currently has some potentially high end pitching developing.
Also, Walker's current BTV isn't that high, instead around +20, which is similar to Burly's. Winn's is +24.
Also, it's not all about SP pitching, and the current rotation has been surprisingly good minus Libs. Currently it's been mainly the offense and BP holding the team back from contending for a WC berth.
I would agree trading Burly should be a consideration. As far as I know, this might be his career year, and he's tracking for a bWAR under +3, and is 5th among the team in position players with his current bWAR. I don't want 1B blocked by an average-ish to below average 1B moving forward, especially with a top hitting prospect like Rainiel climbing up quickly. Burly could potentially go a long way to bring back Emerson Hancock, who could replace D. May with a probable better health outlook. Then plug in Herrera at 1B.
Could a Hancock, Mathews, McGreevy, Pallante and Leahy rotation next year contend for a WC?
Baez will likely be part of the OF next year. Let's see how Bernal looks at the show. Shore up the BP which isn't like trying to climb Mt. Everest.
Sure, the Cards won't be in the top 5 WS contenders at the start of next year, but could be in the top 10 as early as next year. That's a reasonable step up toward contending.

[redbirdfan51]

JJ, JW and Herrera should not be traded. If overwhelmed by a Burleson trade, then make it.