Cardinals Reportedly May Trade Two Important Pieces If Club Doesn't Get Back On Track

St. Louis' starting rotation may look different very soon

The clock is ticking on the St. Louis Cardinals. 

St. Louis currently is in last place in the National League with an abysmal 27-40 record and hasn't been able to get itself back on track quite yet. While it's certainly possible the Cardinals could put together a run and get back in contention for a postseason spot, the club will need to do so sooner rather than later. 

With three Wild Card spots available plus a wide-open National League Central, the Cardinals aren't completely out of it yet. But, if the club is unable to string together some wins soon, they may end up being sellers ahead of the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline. If the Cardinals do in fact end up selling, two players who reportedly could be available are starting pitchers Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty, according to MLB Trade Rumors' Anthony Franco.

"There aren’t many slam-dunk rotation trade candidates," Franco said. "The likes of Lucas Giolito, Jordan Montgomery, and Jack Flaherty could wind up being available. Perhaps things eventually become dire enough for the Phillies or Padres to entertain moving Aaron Nola or Blake Snell, respectively. Eduardo Rodriguez has a tougher version of the Stroman option issue; the Detroit southpaw is guaranteed three years and $49MM beyond this season but can opt-out at the end of the year. Corbin Burnes, Dylan Cease, and Shane Bieber are all controllable beyond 2023."

St. Louis' biggest struggles this season have come from its starting rotation. Early on, the Cardinals' rotation was one of the worst in all of baseball despite some impressive talent on the roster. The rotation has started to get back on track, but wins still aren't coming for the club. Montgomery is leading the St. Louis rotation with a 3.88 ERA and Flaherty isn't far behind at 4.15. 

It's not surprising that both could potentially be available as both are in line to become free agents, but losing them ultimately would take the Cardinals out of postseason contention. St. Louis has been rumored to add more pitching -- and the club certainly needs it -- but if it can't get back on track, it sounds like it will deal for prospects and turn its sights towards 2024. 

More MLB: Cardinals Stud Reportedly Could Be Traded If St. Louis Doesn't Turn Things Around Quickly