5 St. Louis Cardinals most likely to be dealt at trade deadline

As we discussed earlier with Alec Burleson, the Cardinals have great depth at the corner outfield spots. We’ve seen in the past a willingness to trade from a plentitutde of outfield prospects– in the past few years, the Cards have dealt Oscar Mercado, Lane Thomas, and of course, Randy Arozarena.

While injuries have tested the depth this season, the Cardinals still have a strange amount of outfielders who are major league ready. As in the past few seasons, there are two who stand out as candidates to be dealt.

Conner Capel

Conner Capel had a nice debut a few weeks ago. Could it also have been a demonstration of value to opposing clubs? The Cardinals traded for the No. 106 overall pick a few years back, and Capel has risen steadily through the minor league system. Despite the brief promotion to St. Louis this season, there are outfielders ahead of him, as well as top prospects behind him.

Capel plays solid defense at all three outfield spots, and has an OPS of .809 in Memphis this season. I have no doubt that he could become a legitimate major league outfielder. Capel might not bring back an ace, but could be the right price for more pitching depth at the deadline.

Scott Hurst

The other outfielder that fits this trend is Scott Hurst. A third round pick in 2017, Hurst is another left-handed hitting outfielder providing quality innings in Memphis.

While not the most well-known name in the Cardinal system, Hurst has been productive. Again, the path to major league playing time looks difficult, and it is unlikely that the 26 year old can break through to St. Louis soon. Like Capel, Hurst wouldn’t headline a package for a top-end starter, but he is a talented ballplayer that could bring back some much needed pitching depth.