Cardinals: 5 most valuable trade assets this offseason

#4 – Matthew Liberatore

Acquired in a deal that sent Randy Arozarena to the Tampa Bay Rays, Matthew Liberatore was heralded as a big time, left-handed pitching prospect who the Cardinals could slide into their rotation for years to come.

Liberatore had a disappointing MLB debut this years, posting a 5.97 ERA in 9 games of work for the Cardinals. His time in Triple-A Memphis was not much better, as his ERA was 5.17 across 22 starts. Still, Liberatore is just 22-years old and sports a repertoire that will lead to success over the next few years.

If it wasn’t for the emergence of other arms like Tink Hence and Gordon Graceffo this year, and a rotation that already has five guys penciled in along with others waiting in the wings, the Cardinals would likely want to hold onto Liberatore even longer. He could spend another year in Memphis or find his way into the Cardinals bullpen or receive spot starts, but it seems more likely that a rebuilding team would value him more that St. Louis at this point.

#3 – Alec Burleson

One of the best players in all of Minor League baseball this last season, Alec Burleson forced his way onto the St. Louis roster after just under two minor league seasons due his major league ready bat.

For Memphis in 2022, Burleson hit .331/.372/.532 with 20 HR and 87 RBI in just 109 games played. He posted an OPS of just .535 for St. Louis this year, but only appeared in 16 games late in the year. Burleson was a part of the Cardinals incredible 2020 draft class, and should be on a Major League roster next year, whether that is with the Cardinals or another organization.

Burleson is running into the same issues as Yepez as far as roster fit. Burleson is an even worse defender than Yepez, so DH really seems to be the best fit for him long-term. The club could end up penciling him in there, but with so many other options on their team and a probable desire to use that spot to rotate players, Burleson could be a huge trade chip for them.

Teams around baseball who are in need of offense could be very interested in Burleson. He will be under team control for six more seasons, giving him immense value for both rebuilding clubs and contenders alike. If the Cardinals make a big move, don’t be surprised to see his name in the deal.

#2 – One of Dylan Carlson, Tyler O’Neill, or Lars Nootbaar

Let’s face it, 2022 was very disappointing in regards to the Cardinals outfield. Dylan Carlson and Tyler O’Neill dealt with injuries all year, and even though Lars Nootbaar had a hot streak in the second-half, but it remains to be seen if he can do that for a full season.

O’Neill finished 8th in MVP voting in 2021 after posting a .912 OPS and winning his second career Gold Glove, but his repeated injuries and OPS slipping to .700 could lead the Cardinals front office to dealing him as he gets closer and closer to free agency. Nootbaar did post a .788 OPS in 108 games, but outside of July and August, he was a below average hitter.

Carlson dealt with injuries himself this last year and saw his OPS sit at just .695 after being almost unplayable against right-handed pitching. He did play Gold Glove level defense in right field and show the ability to man centerfield very well after Harrison Bader was traded, but he too could be dealt if it means upgrading somewhere else.

Jordan Walker looks to be starting in the Cardinals outfield as soon as Opening Day, and St. Louis could even look to add a bat like Joc Pederson or Brandon Nimmo in free agency. With so many outfield options on the roster and question marks surrounding each of their top three guys, one may need to be used in a deal.

It would not be surprising to see either of these three players end up in a package for an upgrade this offseason. Could Cleveland s want one of them in a package for Shane Bieber? Would Oakland see Carlson or Nootbaar as a long-term outfielder in a Sean Murphy trade? Could Miami see one of the trio as a weapon of Skip Schumaker if they decide to part with Pablo Lopez? The more you think about it, the more it seems logical that one of these guys is not on the Cardinals Opening Day roster in 2023.

#1 – Nolan Gorman

Nolan Gorman should carry the most value in trade conversations with other clubs, and may be the key piece in getting a major move done for St. Louis.

In just 43 games in Triple-A Memphis this year, Gorman slashed .275/.330/.585 with 16 HR and 26 RBIs, slugging his way all the way to St. Louis. He did not tear it up while he was with the Major League club this year, but he did look good, as at just 22-years old he posted a .721 OPS with 14 HR and 35 RBI.

Gorman has the potential to be a major power bat for years to come. Even after slowing down during his last stretch with St. Louis, the 2B/3B was still on pace for around 26 HR in a 162 game season, and did hit 30 HR across the two levels in just 132 games. Gorman can change the game with one swing of the bat, and it’s not fair to assume he’ll continue to have the same struggles he did this last year.

Gorman’s high strikeout rate is concerning, and he is not a natural fit at second base. But neither of those things should prevent him from being on the Cardinals roster in 2023 if they see him as a major bat in their lineup moving forward. The reason he ranks number 1 here is that his bat could be the key to getting a star at a different position of need, and the club has options at every other position he’d fill.

Brendan Donovan deserves to be starting everyday and could easily slot in at second base. Gorman could be the main DH, but the club has options there as well, and it’s probably not the best use of their resources to not play him everyday in this stage of his development. Could he transition to a corner outfield spot? Sure, but again, the club has an abundance there unless they trade from that depth.

Gorman appears to be the most valuable piece that the Cardinals have that they could send in a deal this offseason. If it means bringing in a star catcher, front line starter, or guaranteed impact bat, it could for sure be worth it. If the right deal is not there though, Gorman should take steps forward in his development and be a major contributor in 2023.