St. Louis Cardinals: Cards who could be traded in the off-season.

Several St. Louis Cardinals on the current roster could be traded during this offseason.  Some may surprise you, others may not, and some may be your favorite Cardinal.

Carlos Martinez

Carlos Martinez would bring the St. Louis Cardinals some real value in the winter trade market.  The 26-year-old right-handed arm is a true ace for any MLB starting rotation.  Also, with his electric movement on his pitches, Martinez could make him an outstanding closer.  The Cardinals are currently using Martinez in that role, replacing Bud Norris.

He has never lived up to potential as a starter, however. Injuries have been part of the culprit for this level of disappointment, especially in 2018.  Prior to being placed on the DL on May 10, Martinez had a 1.40 ERA. Never really regaining his early season form, the Cardinals put him in the bullpen on August 21, after returning from his second DL stint.

Should the St. Louis Cardinals trade Carlos Martinez?  Rumors were circulating that Carlos was being ‘shopped around’ prior to the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline so a trade in the off-season doesn’t seem outside the realm of possibility.

With the impressive rookie season of Jack Flaherty, the return of a hopefully-healthy Alex Reyes and Michael Wacha, the St. Louis Cardinals may decide Martinez is expendable.

Jose Martinez

Jose Martinez is another name that was circulating as trade bait during the non-waiver trade deadline. The 30-year-old right-handed OF/1B, is considered an offensive asset and a defensive liability.

Martinez’s defensive metrics are almost embarrassing.  He has an OF Rdrs/yr of -30 and a 1B Rdrs/yr of -9.  When the Cardinals seemed out of the postseason race in July, Martinez seemed to be expendable.

His offensive numbers, however, are hard for the Cardinals to replace.  His 80 RBIs are currently second to Marcell Ozuna‘s 82, and his .303 BA is best on the team.  Additionally his .813 OPS trails only Matt Carpenter‘s .932 and his OBP of .361 also only trails Carpenter’s .383.

Nevertheless, Martinez is not arbitration-eligible until 2020 and won’t be a free agent until 2023.  He is another Cardinal who could bring real value in the offseason trade market, especially for an American League club who needs a DH.  With Tyler O’Neil, Adolis Garcia, and Randy Arozarena waiting in the wings, the St. Louis Cardinals may decide Martinez is another expendable piece.