BREAKING: Ken Rosenthal roasts Cardinals for failing to trade 3 stars already

The St. Louis Cardinals are entering a rebuilding phase, with former Red Sox and Rays executive Chaim Bloom overseeing minor-league operations this year before taking full control next season. They allowed Paul Goldschmidt to leave in free agency, declined team options on Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson, and refrained from signing any long-term contracts. However, the trade market did not work in their favor this offseason.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic criticized the front office for failing to trade Nolan Arenado, Erick Fedde, and Ryan Helsley before the season. He noted that Arenado, who was on the trade block all winter, used his no-trade clause to block a move to the Astros. While the Yankees were also rumored to be interested, no deal materialized. The pitchers were not publicly involved in trade discussions, but they are expected to be moved before the trade deadline.

For many teams, Opening Day represents optimism, but Cardinals fans are instead looking ahead to a crucial trade deadline.

The Cardinals must trade all of their veterans

With a new leadership group set to take over next year, the Cardinals should be prepared to sell at the trade deadline. They have experienced veterans who could be valuable additions to contending teams, but they are unlikely to compete this season. While Arenado, Helsley, and Fedde are the biggest trade chips, there are several other players they could look to move.

In the rotation, veteran Miles Mikolas is entering free agency. Though he struggled for much of last season, a strong start this year could make him an attractive trade target. Having made 99 starts over the past three seasons and consistently pitching deep into games, he could draw interest from teams in need of rotation depth.

Sonny Gray, under contract through 2026 with a club option for 2027, carries a significant salary. The Cardinals may need to retain some of his salary in a trade but should be willing to do so in exchange for better prospects from a team seeking a reliable back-end starter.

With their focus on the future, St. Louis’ best path forward is to trade Arenado, Fedde, Helsley, and other assets. The Cardinals will open their season at home against the Minnesota Twins.