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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 players Cardinals should trade for

By Parker Hurley

Jul 1, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Aledmys Diaz (36) fields a ground ball hit by Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Jonathan Villar (not pictured) during the third inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 1, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Aledmys Diaz (36) fields a ground ball hit by Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Jonathan Villar (not pictured) during the third inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Carlos Beltran
May 9, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Carlos Beltran (36) hits a home run to right during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Carlos Beltran

Beltran could be reunited with the Cardinals for a late summer push. He was in St. Louis for two seasons from 2012-13 and was a key piece to the Cardinals making the 2013 World Series.

While he is 39 years old this season, Beltran is hitting .293 with an .887 OPS. He has 18 home runs at this point, and has the history of showing up in October.

He brings little to the table when it comes to upgrading the defense in center field, but he can play in right while sliding Stephen Piscotty to center. They may also want to experiment with Beltran at first base to be the right-handed platoon with Matt Adams. Beltran helps the defense in no way, but his boost to the offense would be a major one, and would be needed.

He also may be able to come with a lower price tag. With his age, defensive ability and contract situation, it would be impossible to ask for a lot for him. He is making $15 million this year and next year will be an unrestricted free agent.

The Cardinals could use that to their advantage. They would not want to hold onto Beltran past a last season push in 2016. They can afford the rest of his contract and could land Beltran relatively cheap.

The Yankees do not have the team this year, and would not be interested in re-signing Beltran this offseason anyways. They would be more than happy to bring back some money and to add a prospect for Beltran. If the Cardinals are sold on the bat they could pull off the move.

Next: 4. Aroldis Chapman

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