St. Louis Cardinals: Possible roster moves and lineup changes

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 6: Kolten Wong #16 of the St. Louis Cardinals is congratulated by Manager Mike Matheney #22 after scoring a first inning run against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on May 6, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 6: Kolten Wong #16 of the St. Louis Cardinals is congratulated by Manager Mike Matheney #22 after scoring a first inning run against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on May 6, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Trade Lance Lynn

St. Louis Cardinals
ST. LOUIS, MO – JUNE 13: Lance Lynn /

Lance Lynn, who St. Louis Cardinals’ fans first remember as a bullpen weapon during the 2011 World Series run, has established himself as a dependable starter. Since 2012, Lynn has won twelve or more games each year, and has amassed a 3.42 career ERA. Lynn, being a fastball dominant pitcher, has developed into a guy who always wants the ball.

Like Wacha, Lynn has lacked a level of consistency so far this season. Lynn struggles to go deep into games and has been plagued by one bad inning this season. That being said, he’s a bulldog many contending teams could use.

A free agent to be, Lynn is the top starting pitcher trade candidate for the St. Louis Cardinals. Veteran Adam Wainwright is going nowhere. Mike Leake and his contract are going nowhere. Carlos Martinez is the ace of the Cardinals, and Wacha is still a talented pitcher that hasn’t panned out yet.

By trading Lynn to a team like the Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees or Houston Astros, who need starting pitching, it would create more flexibility for young pitchers in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. This could open the door for Mike Mayers, who seems to always get the short end of the stick. It could also allow John Gant, and his funky delivery, to return to the big league club.

The St. Louis Cardinals will be reluctant to trade Lynn, let alone anyone, if they can reduce the gap in the National League Central. Even if the Cardinals do keep up their winning ways, it still might make sense to trade Lynn, who will have a high asking price when the off-season rolls around.

Next: Surging Cardinals offense

It has been an interesting season to say the least for the Redbirds. Let me hear your take on the changes I suggested in the comments below or on Twitter. Thanks for reading!