The Cardinals have played themselves into the playoff picture and could trade certain players without falling out of contention. Following a strong May, the St. Louis Cardinals now find themselves within striking distance of the NL Central lead and appear to be legitimate contenders. Despite exceeding expectations, the roster still has gaps that could be addressed to improve both this season and the team’s long-term outlook.
The front office continues to highlight the lack of starting pitching depth in the upper minors as a key concern—one reason Michael McGreevy remains in Triple-A despite strong performances. In addition to boosting their Triple-A rotation, the team might pursue more infield depth or look to add Major League-ready outfield help. To address these needs, I explored players currently on the MLB roster who could be traded for solid, if not spectacular, returns, as well as some Memphis-based prospects who may be expendable and used to shore up other organizational needs.
The Cardinals have plenty of pieces they could deal to help rebuild their system while remaining competitive
Major League position players that can be trade pieces
Jose Barrero
After making a strong impression early in Triple-A and earning a call-up to the big leagues, José Barrero has since settled into a limited bench role under manager Oli Marmol. He was initially brought up to cover for Masyn Winn during a stretch of minor injuries and made the most of his early opportunity, hitting a home run, a double, and driving in three runs over his first three starts. However, since Winn’s full recovery from ankle and back issues, Barrero has seen little playing time—just one start since May 10—and has mostly been used in the outfield, despite his primary experience as an infielder.
Once a top-100 prospect, Barrero may have been rushed through the Reds’ system, jumping from Single-A to the majors, which could have hindered his development. While he’s unlikely to command much in return, he could offer depth to a contending team or serve as a low-risk, high-reward option for a rebuilding club in need of infield help. Trading Barrero would also free up a roster spot for the potential promotion of Thomas Saggese or Jose Fermin, depending on the bench needs Marmol is looking to address.
Yohel Pozo
Another potential trade chip for the Cardinals at the Major League level is third-string catcher Yohel Pozo. He was called up to provide support behind the plate while Ivan Herrera was on the injured list, helping ease the workload for Pedro Pagés. Since Herrera’s return, Pozo has seen limited action but has made the most of his opportunities, batting .320 in just six starts this month.
Although there likely isn’t significant league-wide interest in Pozo, a trade could benefit both him and the Cardinals if Herrera is able to resume a semi-regular catching role behind Pagés. Should Pozo return to Triple-A, he would fall behind top catching prospect Jimmy Crooks on the depth chart, with Leonardo Bernal and Rainiel Rodriguez also pushing for opportunities in the lower levels. Moving Pozo could free up playing time and help streamline the organization’s catching hierarchy.
Major League pitchers that can be trade pieces
Phil Maton
It’s always tricky to label a key bullpen arm as “expendable,” but in Phil Maton’s case, he stands out as a realistic trade candidate—regardless of whether the Cardinals remain in the playoff race. Maton was the team’s only Major League addition this past offseason, and he’s proven to be a solid return on their \$2 million investment. His 23 appearances rank second on the team behind Kyle Leahy, and he leads all Cardinals relievers with 28 strikeouts. He’s also taken on high-leverage duties when Ryan Helsley has been unavailable, recording two saves and 10 holds.
So why would St. Louis consider moving him? Because his strong performance makes him an ideal trade asset. Maton has always had the ability to generate strikeouts, but this year he’s doing it at a career-best rate—while also posting the lowest walk rate of his nine-year MLB tenure. I considered suggesting Helsley as a trade piece instead, given the potentially larger return a proven closer could command. But Helsley remains a reliable late-inning option with elite velocity and strong secondary stuff. By contrast, Maton leans more on his breaking ball and features a low-90s sinker and cutter—not typical traits for a closer, but still very effective.
Another reason Maton is appealing: his contract. At just \$2 million, he’s an affordable, high-performing bullpen option. Helsley, by comparison, is earning \$8.2 million this season and will likely command even more in free agency. Teams might be hesitant to pay a steep price for a rental like Helsley, but Maton offers similar value at a much lower cost. If multiple contenders come calling, the Cardinals could find themselves with a bidding war that boosts the return in prospect capital.
John King
Another bullpen arm the Cardinals could consider moving is left-hander John King, who presents a “sell-high” opportunity. While his surface-level stats—like a 3.62 ERA—are in line with his career performance, the underlying metrics suggest some regression may be coming. King has never been known for racking up strikeouts, but his strikeout rate has dipped even further this season to just 12.6%, which ranks in the second percentile league-wide, per Baseball Savant. He does help limit damage with a solid 6.9% walk rate, but opponents are squaring him up more frequently, with a hard-hit rate near 40% and an expected ERA nearly a full run higher than his actual mark.
If the Cardinals were to move King, it would leave Steven Matz and JoJo Romero as the only left-handed options in the bullpen. However, they could turn to right-hander Andre Granillo from the minors to help fill the gap. Despite not throwing from the left side, Granillo has been highly effective against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .118 average thanks to a deceptive and effective changeup. Trading King could open a spot for Granillo while capitalizing on King’s value before potential regression sets in.
Minor League trade pieces
Looking beyond the Major League roster, there are several players in Triple-A Memphis who seem ready for an MLB opportunity but are currently blocked by the Cardinals’ roster and competitive timeline. Given the organization’s ongoing need for more upper-level pitching depth, these position players might be more valuable as trade chips. A fresh start elsewhere could provide them with the playing time and developmental opportunities they’re unlikely to get in St. Louis. Moving them could also help the Cardinals address immediate or future pitching needs by acquiring arms better aligned with their long-term plans.
Luken Baker
Luken Baker’s up-and-down journey with the Cardinals has continued into 2025, with little clarity on his long-term role. The narrative surrounding Baker hasn’t changed—he offers big-time power and solid plate discipline, but his defensive limitations confine him to first base or a DH role, making him more suited as a platoon option. At 28 years old, with 131 homers and an .834 OPS across 594 minor league games, Baker has little left to prove in the minors.
Despite no obvious fit entering the season, Baker impressed during Spring Training and looked like a potential DH solution, especially with Alec Burleson’s early-season power struggles. He made the Opening Day roster and started strong with three hits in his first two games, but inconsistent playing time throughout April led to a .192 average before he was optioned back to Triple-A in early May. Since returning to Memphis, Baker has resumed his role as the everyday first baseman, though he’s struggled at the plate—hitting just .125. Still, six of his seven hits have gone for extra bases, showing his power remains intact.
Given his minor league success and offensive upside, Baker could still hold some value on the trade market. A move would benefit both the Cardinals—who could use the roster flexibility—and Baker, who deserves a clearer path to playing time elsewhere. Trading him should be a priority for both sides.
Michael Siani
Despite the Cardinals’ relatively thin outfield depth at the upper minor league levels, Michael Siani stands out as a potential trade chip—particularly for a return like a minor league reliever or a lower-level prospect with upside. Over the past two seasons, Siani has seen more playing time than his offensive production has warranted, struggling to carve out a consistent role at the Major League level.
While he did flash some power during his time in the Reds organization—posting multiple double-digit home run seasons—Siani’s standout tool remains his elite speed, evidenced by 164 stolen bases over 540 minor league games. That skillset does carry intrigue, but the Cardinals already have a younger, more dynamic version of that profile in Victor Scott II. Scott offers similar speed, hits from the left side, and projects to have greater offensive upside.
Siani has been solid in Triple-A Memphis this season, posting an .806 OPS with four home runs and seven steals, while rotating between the outfield and designated hitter. Given the logjam and his limited path to MLB playing time in St. Louis, a trade could benefit both sides. A new opportunity elsewhere might unlock more of his potential, while the Cardinals could recoup depth in areas of greater need.
Matt Koperniak
Another outfielder despite the Cardinals’ already thin depth at the position? Unfortunately, yes—and that’s largely because Matt Koperniak, now 27, finds himself blocked on multiple fronts. A left-handed hitter, Koperniak is one of several in an outfield mix that already includes Victor Scott II, Lars Nootbaar, Brendan Donovan, and Alec Burleson—all of whom also bat from the left side. Despite his abilities, there just isn’t a clear lane for him in St. Louis.
Koperniak, signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020, earned a spot on the 40-man roster heading into this season after a standout spring in which he hit .355 with two home runs and three doubles in 31 at-bats. Still, he was edged out by the more established options. This season in Triple-A Memphis has been a struggle—he’s hitting just .199—but that comes after a productive stretch in the organization, where he has a career .289 average with 63 homers across three-plus years.
While it would be great to see him finally get a Major League opportunity, that seems increasingly unlikely with the Cardinals. Other teams, especially those looking for left-handed outfield help, might see immediate value in Koperniak and be willing to part with a solid prospect in return—making him a logical trade candidate.
