St. Louis Cardinals Rumors: Who should be traded?

Carson Kelly, C

First up, Carson Kelly. Let me say immediately that I do not want him traded but wonder if the ceiling is too solid for him to climb and whether or not his value to the Cardinals is better via trade. Again, I do not want this to happen but I’m sure value can be had with him as bait.

His Stats:

Career offensive slash line: .240/.315/.348. Career defense stats: 1602.1 innings, .992 fielding percentage.

So do I really see a Kelly trade in the works? Most likely not. At least not at this time. With all the uncertainty surrounding Yadier Molina and his healing from off season surgery, it would be wise to keep as many catchers on staff as possible and Kelly fits that bill.

Let’s assume that it would happen; where would Kelly go? What teams might have interest in a young catcher? Pittsburgh could certainly use a viable backup in the years to come. But would St. Louis want him to stay in the division? According to MLB Trade Rumors, teams such as the Marlins or Braves could certainly use a catcher.

Maybe a better question is whether or not the Cardinals should want to look into trading away a catching chip. Brayan Pena is signed for two seasons and Kelly hasn’t made his debut yet. Is it smart then to gamble away a chip that has yet to prove a thing? Sources likely say no.

Next: Greg Garcia