Cardinals Reportedly May Trade These Three Young Players As Season Continues To Spiral

Should the Cardinals unload some young players ahead of the trade deadline?

The St. Louis Cardinals may not look the same after the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline. 

St. Louis certainly has been disappointing so far this season and currently is 25-35 through 60 games. The Cardinals currently are in last place in the National League Central and are seven and a half games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers. 

Many have expected that the Cardinals would be buyers ahead of the August 1 trade deadline, but if the season continues to spiral there's a chance that won't be the case. Executives around baseball already have wondered if 2022 National League Most Valuable Player Paul Goldschmidt could be available, although that is unlikely. If the season continues to go off the rails, three players that reportedly could be moved are Dylan Carlson, Alec Burleson, and Tommy Edman, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. 

"The Cardinals have used nine outfielders this season, and while Tyler O'Neill is the one St. Louis has suggested it's willing to trade, Lars Nootbaar would bring the greatest return," Passan said. "(Jordan Walker isn't going anywhere, executives said, but they believe the Cardinals will at least listen on Dylan Carlson, Alec Burleson, and even Tommy Edman). The front-office officials are split on whether Jack Flaherty will be traded before the deadline; they don't expect Jordan Montgomery, who could get a qualifying offer, to go unless St. Louis simply bottoms out."

The biggest trade rumor swirling around the Cardinals this season has been the possibility of the club trading O'Neill, but it sounds like he may not be the only one in rumors ahead of the trade deadline. Carlson, Burleson, and Edman all could be very valuable trade pieces. Carlson and Burleson are both 24 years old and Edman is just 28. Edman is a Gold Glove winner and is having one of the finest seasons of his young career to date. Carlson was a first-round draft pick and Burleson was taken in the second round. Both have shown some flashes at the big-league level and should draw plenty of interest. 

St. Louis' biggest issues are in the starting rotation and the club has been rumored to be looking for a new hurler. A package with this trio could help get a deal done. If the Cardinals are looking to get back in the postseason race, a deal may make sense for a new pitcher. If the Cardinals are looking to stock up on more prospects, a deal also would make sense. All in all, the Cardinals are sure to be busy ahead of the deadline. 

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