St. Louis Cardinals: Which outfielder is most likely to be traded?

Wrapping up

Jose Martinez is a guy that always has fit better as a DH, but at this point, I really don’t believe his value is enough to entice the Cardinals into trading him. Dexter Fowler isn’t being moved with his contract. If the team was going to trade Bader, they would’ve when they had the chance last trade deadline. These three are a lock for an MLB roster spot.

Based off of what the team has said this offseason, Lane Thomas probably will have the first crack at regular playing time in left field, assuming the team doesn’t sign an outfielder or retain Marcell Ozuna.

Dylan Carlson is the best bet to take and hold a spot long term, but again, based off of what we have heard this offseason, Carlson will start at AAA. There aren’t enough spots for the three regulars, Lane Thomas, Tyler O’Neill, and Randy Arozarena. Those players also can’t just rot at AAA.

The Cardinals have these resources, now the question is whether they are going to hold onto them and let them spoil on the bench/AAA or are they going to turn them into something that can help the team in other ways. Neither Tyler O’Neill nor Arozarena has huge trade value, but Mozeliak can’t just let the assets spoil.

There may not be any action left before the calendar turns decades, but there is plenty of time before games start. Even then, I would expect the Cardinals to trade maybe one more player off this list, then let the kids play in the spring to see who earns the spot.