Trio Of Cardinals Studs Reportedly Could Be Traded Before Deadline; What's Next For Club?

Should the Cardinals deal three of their pitchers ahead of the trade deadline?

St. Louis Cardinals fans likely can't wait until the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline passes. 

St. Louis has been a disappointment so far this season and currently is in last place in the National League Central at 32-45. Many expected the Cardinals to repeat as NL Central champions this season, but things haven't gone as expected. Early on this season as the Cardinals' struggles began, many expected the club to be buyers ahead of the trade deadline and add more pitching as the club attempted to make a run. 

As the club's struggles have continued, now many are wondering if the Cardinals should turn their focus to the 2024 campaign and be sellers ahead of the trade deadline. With a few weeks remaining until the August 1 deadline, anything could happen, but three players that reportedly could be on the move are pitchers Jordan Montgomery, Jack Flaherty, and Jordan Hicks, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

"As things currently stand, the obvious choice for the Cardinals at the deadline, the safest choice, would be to trade their top potential free agents -- starters Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty, and closer Jordan Hicks," Rosenthal said. "(John Mozeliak), meeting with reporters in London on Friday said, 'The message to our fan base is that we're not looking to blow up this team but we are looking to find ways to improve this team.'"

Although St. Louis' pitching hasn't been the greatest this season, Montgomery, Flaherty, and Hicks all have shown flashes of impressive play. Montgomery has been St. Louis' best starting pitcher and has pitched to a 3.69 ERA in 15 starts -- he is the lone St. Louis starter with an ERA below 4.00. Flaherty has turned things around as of late but has compiled a 4.95 ERA so far this season. Hicks has pitched to a 4.18 ERA in 31 appearances and at times has seemed un-hittable thanks to his blistering fastball. 

At this point, the Cardinals likely need some sort of shakeup to get back in the right direction. St. Louis needs an upgrade in the starting pitching department, whether that is ahead of the trade deadline or this upcoming offseason. If the Cardinals can't rack up some wins quickly it may make sense to look toward 2024 and load up on prospects when they can. 

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