The Cardinals' recent slump has them in a selling mood, and with a plethora of tradeable assets, they're poised to make some moves. ESPN's Jeff Passan suggests that Cardinals president of baseball operations, Chaim Bloom, is unlikely to hold back on any player. Among the names in the mix, Alec Burleson stands out as a potential trade candidate. Burleson, a 27-year-old slugger, is making $3.3MM this season and is set to go through two more arbitration raises before becoming a free agent in 2028. This makes him an attractive trade chip, especially for a team looking to turn the page on the 2026 season. Burleson's performance has been steady, with a .287/.344/.459 batting line and 33 home runs since Opening Day 2025. He's a solid middle-of-the-order bat, with a 7.5% walk rate and a 14.9% strikeout rate, and has shown the ability to produce against both left- and right-handed pitchers. However, his defensive capabilities at first base are only average, and his sprint speed is below average, limiting his utility in the outfield corners. Despite this, Burleson's versatility and productivity make him a desirable trade asset, particularly for teams seeking help at first base, such as the D-backs, Guardians, Twins, and Pirates. The Cardinals' surplus of young catchers also adds to the likelihood of Burleson being traded, as they look to capitalize on his value before the deadline. In contrast, the Cardinals are less likely to trade another young catcher, Jimmy Crooks, who has shown promise in the upper minors. Crooks, a lefty-swinging catcher, has above-average power and a good defensive reputation. His performance in Triple-A, with a .271/.359/.475 line and 13 home runs, suggests he could be a valuable addition for a team seeking a plug-and-play option. The Cardinals' willingness to trade Crooks is further supported by the organization's high regard for his bat, despite his limited big league experience. The Cardinals' other tradeable assets include JoJo Romero, a reliever who has resumed baseball activities after an appendectomy. Romero's performance has been impressive, with a 3.35 ERA, 23.1% strikeout rate, and 8.6% walk rate in 43 innings. His sub-4.00 ERA and multiple-club interest make him a likely trade candidate, especially with his free agency looming at the end of the season. The Cardinals' willingness to trade these players reflects their commitment to rebuilding and their desire to capitalize on the value of their tradeable assets. As the trade deadline approaches, the Cardinals are poised to make some significant moves, reshaping their roster and setting the stage for the future.
