The Cardinals sound prepared to do the right thing at the trade deadline

And here's what the right thing would look like

Given that the Cardinals have 30 games left to play before the Aug. 1 trade deadline and given that the NL Central is quite permissive when it comes to conferring contending status upon a team, it’s too soon to make firm plans. That said, it continues to look like the Cardinals are going to enter the heat of the deadline period without much chance of making the postseason. The good news on this front, is lead operator John Mozeliak and company sound poised to take the proper approach. 

Mozeliak recently told reporters that no roster disembowelment is going to take place, which presumably means that the club will not be looking to part with their star corner infielders, Goldbird and Nolan Arenado. Doing so would’ve required the waiving of no-trade provisions, anyway, so it never seemed all that likely. Given the importance of that duo to the team’s 2024 hopes, that’s a good thing. 

That also means, should the team’s ill fortunes persist, Mozeliak and the front office would strongly consider dealing away any walk-year players on the roster. As well, the P-D’s Derrick Goold adds this: 

“The Cardinals will also explore the market for relievers who are under control for multiple years, such as All-Star right-hander Ryan Helsley and lefty Genesis Cabrera, because the trade deadline is a time when relief help commands a strong return.”

Not long ago, I laid out some potential deadline scenarios for the Cardinals that assumed non-contention leading up to Aug. 1, and as things stand right now Phases 1 and 2 might be in play for Mozeliak. Assuming the squadron remains far out of playoff position over the next month or so (more on that in a moment), here are the names I’d like to see moved or at least dangled prior to the deadline: