Report: Cardinals Signal Aggressive Trade Deadline Approach

The St. Louis Cardinals are prepared to consider trade proposals for nearly every member of their major league roster ahead of next week’s deadline, according to a report, with two young standouts remaining firmly off the table.

ESPN’s Jorge Castillo conveyed Wednesday that the organization will entertain discussions involving any big-league player other than second baseman JJ Wetherholt and right fielder Jordan Walker.

“The Cardinals are willing to listen to offers on anybody on their big league roster not named Jordan Walker or JJ Wetherholt, sources told ESPN. That includes veteran outfielder Lars Nootbaar and All-Star designated hitter/catcher Ivan Herrera, who has drawn interest from at least the Yankees and Red Sox,” Castillo wrote.

“Both clubs seek catching and offensive help. Herrera has caught only 40 games this season — and started 66 at DH — and grades out as a below-average catcher, but the right-handed hitter owns a career 121 OPS+.”

The willingness to move pieces aligns with the club’s position near the .500 mark as August approaches, positioning St. Louis as a potential seller.

Earlier reports indicated starting pitcher Dustin May and reliever Ryne Stanek already sit among the candidates available for relocation before Monday’s cutoff.

Castillo further noted that closer Riley O’Brien, Stanek and left-handed reliever JoJo Romero have attracted attention from multiple clubs around the league.

“The cost for the 31-year-old O’Brien, a first-time All-Star this season, would be steep since he is under team control through 2030,” the insider said. “Stanek and Romero, however, are free agents after the season. The Yankees are among the clubs that have shown interest in the Cardinals relievers.”

President of baseball operations Chaim Bloom appears focused on maximizing return value while protecting the franchise’s long-term core.

Keeping Walker and Wetherholt unavailable represents a clear priority for the front office.

Walker has emerged as a first-time All-Star after posting 22 home runs, 77 RBIs, 14 stolen bases and a .283/.345/.504 slash line entering Wednesday.

The 2020 first-round selection also made franchise history by capturing the Home Run Derby title, a dramatic turnaround from earlier seasons of inconsistency.

Wetherholt, selected seventh overall in the 2024 draft out of West Virginia University, has delivered 15 home runs, 40 RBIs, 11 stolen bases and a .254/.350/.392 line while ranking among the leading candidates for National League Rookie of the Year.

Both players remain just 24 years old, with Wetherholt set to reach that age in September and Walker having marked the milestone in May.

Their combination of production and remaining developmental upside anchors the Cardinals’ present and future even if the current campaign does not produce a deep postseason run.

By holding firm on the pair while exploring deals elsewhere, the club aims to balance short-term roster management with sustained contention in coming years.