St Louis Cardinals: Mozeliak speaks on trade debate

The St Louis Cardinals have been beaten down with injuries. Now, two months from the trade deadline, John Mozeliak is already discussing additions.

With the St Louis Cardinals dealing with so many injuries, the debate has turned into whether they can withstand this stretch by sticking with their internal options or go outside the organization for upgrades.

There is logic to both arguments. The Cardinals have Johan Oviedo, a top pitching prospect, along with Daniel Ponca de Leon and John Gant who can stretch out as starters if needed. There is also top prospect Matthew Liberatore waiting in the wings.

But when asked about the debate, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said (via Katie Woo of The Athletic) that the front offices preferred way to navigate through this stretch is to rely on those internal options. However, he acknowledged that looking outside the organization for help is something the team is already looking into.

Mozeliak later added that they will not rush any of their top prospects to the majors, which heavily suggests that Liberatore will not be called up and instead continue to pitch for Team USA and in Triple-A.

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If the Cardinals are looking to find a difference maker in the rotation, while also not parting with any of their top prospects, it would make sense for them to call the Colorado Rockies about right-hander Jon Gray. The Rockies are expected to trade Gray and there is continued buzz that he could be among the first players to go and with both front offices having familiarity with one another, Gray could be a name to watch.

There are other parts of the roster to watch, of course, including shortstop and center field with Paul Dejong and Harrison Bader out with injuries. David Peralta is a name who could make sense to replace Bader. The top shortstop on the market, Trevor Story, is highly unlikely to be a trade fit for the Cardinals.

There will be many options available for the Cardinals to choose from. But this roster will look different come July 31 and it could come even sooner if the front office determines this roster needs upgrades.