Cardinals Reportedly Aren't Planning To Trade These Two Outfielders Despite Chatter

St. Louis will be busy this offseason, but it doesn't sound like it will trade either of these players

The St. Louis Cardinals are expected to be extremely active this offseason as the club looks to clear up its logjam in the outfield.

St. Louis needs to add starting pitching and the free-agent market will be extremely competitive. There's a strong chance the Cardinals land one or two starters in free agency, but it may not be likely that the club gets three starters as they hope. St. Louis likely will turn to the trade market and already has had multiple players linked to possible deals. Although this is the case, it doesn't sound like the club will move either Jordan Walker or Lars Nootbaar, although other outfielders could be moved, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

"St. Louis has told other teams it doesn't plan on moving outfielders Jordan Walker or Lars Nootbaar but others will be in play," Passan said. "The likeliest candidate, teams believe, is (Tyler O'Neill), who's a year from free agency and clashed with manager Oli Marmol this year. Another option: (Dylan Carlson), a good buy-low candidate. And (Tommy Edman), a super utilityman who can play shortstop, would have the most value of the three."

Nootbaar and Walker have seen their names mentioned in trade rumors sparingly over the last year. Every now and then they may pop up, but a move never has been likely. O'Neill has been the most likely trade candidate seemingly since Opening Day last year and Carlson also has drawn plenty of interest. Edman impressed this past season and can play all over the field so it isn't surprising that other teams will have interest. 

St. Louis has a logjam in the outfield so it wouldn't be surprising to see the club trade O'Neill, Carlson, or Edman away this offseason, especially if a move brings a starting pitcher back to St. Louis. If they did so, their outfield would still be a strength with Nootbaar, Walker, and someone like Brendan Donovan. 

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