MLB Insider Hints Two Cardinals Fan Favorites Reportedly Could Be Traded Ahead Of Deadline

Should the Cardinals consider trading two of their young studs?

The St. Louis Cardinals have started to turn things around lately but that doesn't mean the club won't make some difficult decisions around the trade deadline. 

St. Louis has won four straight games entering the club's Wednesday afternoon tilt against the Chicago Cubs but still sits in last place in the National League Central at 31-43. The Cardinals are just eight games behind the first-place Cincinnati Reds, but the club will need to make up some ground quickly to avoid becoming sellers ahead of the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline. 

No matter what happens over the next few weeks, the Cardinals are sure to be busy ahead of the deadline. Whether St. Louis sells and looks ahead to the 2024 season or the club makes a few additions to make a push for a 2023 postseason spot, the club will look different on August 1. Two players who could find themselves playing elsewhere shortly are Tommy Edman and Lars Nootbaar, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden. 

"Edman's ability to play above-average defense at three prime positions up the middle makes him a sought-after player," Bowden said. "He's under team control through 2025. The Cardinals are going to have to sacrifice some key position players to improve their pitching staff. 

"The Cardinals love Nootbaar's makeup, exit velocity, and on-base skills, but that wouldn't stop them from moving him for the right pitching upgrades. He's under team control through 2027."

Edman and Nootbaar have found their names in trade rumors at various points this season as St. Louis' season has spiraled out of control. Edman has been one of the Cardinals' best players this season and currently is third on the team with 1.3 wins above replacement. Nootbaar has missed time due to multiple injuries but is back with the club and is having the best season of his young career so far. 

Both Edman and Nootbaar have developed into fan favorites for St. Louis so seeing either could certainly would be tough. The 2023 MLB Trade Deadline is set to pass on August 1 and there's sure to be plenty more rumors until then. 

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