St. Louis Cardinals: The Five Players Most Likely to be Traded This Season

Jul 8, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Matt Adams (32) tosses the ball to pitcher Michael Wacha (52) during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 8, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Matt Adams (32) tosses the ball to pitcher Michael Wacha (52) during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
6 of 6
St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals

#1: Matt Adams (First Base)

The St. Louis Cardinals basically put Matt Adams on the trade block once they announced Matt Carpenter was going to be the full-time first baseman. Adams doesn’t play any other position and he lacks the versatility the Cardinals like to remain on their bench for very long. Last week I covered why Matt Adams currently has no value, but that could change if he makes the most out of his limited at-bats.

Adams is easily the most likely major league player on the Cardinals roster to be traded because he just doesn’t fit the club’s scheme anymore. This team is attempting to move towards a heavy-OBP offense with a versatile, athletic defense and unfortunately, Matt Adams is neither one of those. His highest OBP came back in 2013 at .335 but his career OBP rests at .314.

Regarding his defense, Adams isn’t terrible but he’s limited to first base only. Meanwhile, almost every other player on the team is able to at least play another position. And even if an injury or trade occurs and the Cardinals are in need of a first baseman, Adams still isn’t necessary. Yadier Molina, Jedd Gyorko, Greg Garcia, or even Stephen Piscotty could find time there while Carpenter is unavailable or moved elsewhere.

Adams isn’t a free agent until 2019 and that could help his value going forward. He’s still relatively young and has flashed the ability to be a strong gap hitter. Unfortunately, it will all come down to whether Adams makes the most of his limited opportunities and if the Cardinals can find a partner. Part of the problem with trading Matt Adams right now is there are still cheap free agent alternatives like Adam Lind and Pedro Alvarez out there.

Next: Let's Look at a Possible 4th Outfielder

Adams is rumored to be coming into spring training in the best shape of his life but it may end up benefitting a different team. While he has potential to be a strong first baseman, the St. Louis Cardinals don’t really have the room or need for him. The only way for him to find himself in the starting lineup would be to give someone rest or if there are a number of injuries to the starting lineup. However, it just seems like a matter of time before he is traded to another team.

Schedule