6 Cardinals who are most likely to be traded this offseason

Cardinals manager Oli Marmol quickly said at the end of 2023 that the 2024 season must be different. He added that significant changes would have to be made, including "weeding out" players who did not have a team-first mentality.

Marmol was critical of players last season and named names. But he didn't pinpoint who needed to go in his end-of-season statements. After watching Marmol's actions, seeing him seemingly get reined in on the public criticism was a bit surprising. Then again, he couldn't help himself to be a little critical.

With rumors circulating that Yadier Molina could return to the Cardinals as a coach next season, Marmol's passive-aggressive approach with certain players may be under the microscope more. Molina was never publicly critical of his teammates. He would often talk with his pitchers and teammates one-on-one. He was never critical of his teammates to the media, noting the good things done and the promise that work would be done to improve. Fans knew when Molina said work would be done to improve, it would happen. Honestly, that's the kind of talk you want from a leader. Who wants to be publicly criticized?

Some trades will likely be made this offseason to go along with the expected free-agent signings. The players who caught Marmol's ire could be at the top of the to-be-traded list.

Let's discuss who may be on list of possible trade candidates.

Dylan Carlson will most likely be traded this offseason

Carlson has had since the 2020 season to show the Cardinals what kind of player he can be. But every season, he gets injured or falls into a significant slump.

When healthy, he is a tremendous outfielder but does have issues with consistency at the plate. It would be great to see Carlson put it together with his health and bat. He could be a massive talent for the team. Carlson has yet to find that rhythm while with the Cardinals, and it would be curious to see if a change in scenery would help the once-highly-regarded talent.

For his career with the Cardinals, the 25-year-old has hit .243/.322/.394 with an OPS of .717. He has a career 5.6 WAR. He's knocked 34 home runs, 173 runs, and 150 RBIs for four seasons and 388 games. Imagine a healthy and consistent Carlson over that time.

Social media is filled with fans concerned Carlson would be much like Adolis Garcia or Randy Arozarena, meaning the Cardinals give up on him too soon, and he has a breakout postseason. To counter that thought, though, Carlson has had four seasons to prove himself. It would be worth the risk if he could be swapped for starting pitching or even a veteran outfielder with a bat.

A catcher will most likely be traded this offseason

Even with Andrew Knizner entering free agency after being non-tendered a contract, it's still surprising to see the Cardinals have three more catchers on the major league roster.

Willson Contreras completed his first season with the Cardinals after signing a five-year $87.5 million contract in the offseason. Contreras and the team seemed to clash at times as he was replacing legendary catcher Yadier Molina, who'd spent close to two decades with the team. Throughout the season, Contreras worked hard with the team and the pitching staff to get on the same page with what they needed from him.

In the meantime, he was a significant upgrade on offense at the position and saw some time as designated hitter. He hit .264/.358/.467 with an OPS of .826. He hit 27 doubles and 20 home runs, stole six bases, and earned 55 runs and 67 RBI.

While Contreras was the team's designated hitter, Andrew Knizner became the starting catcher. He had been the backup to Molina for several seasons, meaning Knizner had a significant spike in performance in 2023. He performed well as Contreras's backup and had a fantastic year hitting.

Knizner hit .241/.288/.424 with an OPS of .712. He had a career year with 11 doubles, 10 home runs, 30 runs scored, and 31 RBIs.

Additionally, fans saw Ivan Herrera step in as a backup this season. Herrera was once thought to be the heir apparent to Molina but failed to step up when given opportunities. In the time he was with the team in 2023, there was an improvement, especially on defense. Herrera still has some work to be done.

This week, Pedro Pages was placed on the 40-man roster to protect him from being selected in the Rule 5 draft. He impressed the organization with his play at Double-A Springfield in 2023.

Without a doubt, this offseason will have many questions surrounding catching once again. It will be interesting to see who the Cardinals decide to move and who they ultimately keep.

Matthew Liberatore will most likely be traded this offseason

He's a lefty with lots of potential but with a coaching staff that doesn't seem to know how to use him properly, Matthew Liberatore may get some attention on the trade market.

While in AAA Memphis, Liberatore was doing an amazing job starting. As soon as he had to return to St. Louis, Liberatore seemed to decline when he was moved to the bullpen. With a stellar start against his old team, the Tampa Bay Rays, he was moved back to the 'pen where he struggled with the role.

This season, he was 3-6 in 11 games he started. He pitched in 22 games overall. He had a 5.25 ERA over 61.2 innings. He struck out 46 batters.

Liberatore has a lot of team control left as he becomes arbitration-eligible in 2026 and will be available for free agency in 2029. Liberatore has to be an intriguing option to a team looking for young pitching.

Luken Baker will most likely be traded this offseason

The acquisition of Jared Young from the Chicago Cubs off the waiver wire would make Baker available for trade.

After killing minor league pitching at AAA Memphis by hitting 33 home runs, the Cardinals were forced to bring Baker to St. Louis. Unfortunately, Baker struggled to attain consistency to be as effective against Major League pitching. Baker is one of those players who could use a change in scenery, which would allow him to get a better role on a club looking for a young infielder or designated hitter to smash some baseballs. Baker's sweet swing would sound amazing.

Tyler O'Neill will most likely be traded this offseason

After a season in which O'Neill and Marmol clashed over a perceived lack of hustle on the diamond, many Cardinal fans are surprised that O'Neill is still with the team. But, with so many injury concerns and a drop in offense, O'Neill is a more minor trade draw than he once was for the Cardinals.

It was shocking to hear the allegations of not hustling after knowing O'Neill spent much of last offseason working to develop new routines to improve his speed and allow himself to stay healthy and on the field. Once Marmol publicly criticized O'Neill, he wasn't the same player. O'Neill had hoped to keep the allegations between the two men, but that didn't happen, and no other player stood up for him. It was a disappointing moment for the team. And it's doubtful it's something O'Neill forgets even after making the best of his situation once issues with his health improve, and he can produce.

O'Neill is another one of those candidates who could improve with a change in scenery. After such a tumultuous couple of seasons with the Cardinals, he could use time with a club that is straightforward with him and how he will be used. One that he will feel trust in moving forward. If traded, it would be great if O'Neill could net a starting pitcher who could go second or third in the rotation. Even another bat for the lineup would be excellent.

O'Neill was a fun talent to watch during his stretch of netting two Gold Gloves for his play in left field. The season in which he knocked 34 home runs was unreal. The Cardinals have hoped he could replicate the performance, but he hasn't. It's time for a change to benefit the player and the team.