5 players the Cardinals should consider selling high on

CF Michael Siani

When the Cardinals claimed outfielder Michael Siani off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds in September of 2023, the plan was never for him to ascend and be the team's starting center fielder. He profiled best as a defensive-minded fourth outfielder.

When Tommy Edman and Dylan Carlson, the team's presumptive center field options for 2024, went down with injuries to start the year, Siani was thrust into a starting role this year. in 334 plate appearances, Siani slashed .228/.285/.285 on the year for a wRC+ of 64. What makes his value so high isn't his offensive output.

Defensively, Siani accumulated 15 outs above average, he had a 15.8 UZR/150, and he was worth eight defensive runs saved. Those are figures virtually unmatched in baseball among center fielders. He's still only 25 years old, and he has plenty of tream control remaining, as he isn't a free agent until 2030. He also isn't eligible for arbitration until 2027.

Despite his offensive shortcomings, center fielder Michael Siani has a decent amount of trade value. He won't net a top-100 prospect, but he could be packaged with someone else to bring back a more valuable player. Also, with Victor Scott II being the center fielder of the future, Michael Siani may not have a spot on the team down the road.

Siani's trade value will never be higher than it is right now, and he isn't in the organization's plans for the future. John Mozeliak should capitalize on this opportunity and trade Michael Siani this offseason.