3 Trade Targets at Catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals

TORONTO, ON - JULY 12: Danny Jansen #9 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats against the Philadelphia Phillies at Rogers Centre on July 12, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JULY 12: Danny Jansen #9 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats against the Philadelphia Phillies at Rogers Centre on July 12, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
4 of 4
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JULY 10: Max Stassi #33 of the Los Angeles Angels celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 10, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JULY 10: Max Stassi #33 of the Los Angeles Angels celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 10, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

Max Stassi

The Los Angeles Angels have followed up their hot start to 2022 by going ice cold this summer, falling out of being a legit playoff contender and now look to be sellers as teams approach the deadline. Catcher Max Stassi is a name that could be up for grabs among contenders.

Stassi has not been elite by any means at the plate this season, slashing just .208/.313/.328 with 5 HR and 16 RBI in 57 games this season, but that .641 OPS would be an improvement from the current Cardinal catchers.

Stassi has proven to be a great hitter over the last few seasons, having an OPS of .886 and .752 in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Stassi may regain some of that form in a Cardinal uniform, but even if he just maintains his play, would be a welcomed upgrade on the roster.

The Angels are in desperate need for a boost to their farm system, and since Stassi is making $7 million in 2023 and 2024, he will likely not cost a ton in terms of prospect value.

Stassi, like the other names on this list, is controllable, albeit on a larger dollar amount, making the decision to add him a win for the 2022 Cardinals and future seasons.