MLB Trade Rumors: 5 teams who should trade for Will Smith

2. St. Louis Cardinals

Having lost young flamethrower Jordan Hicks for the year to Tommy John surgery, the St. Louis Cardinals have managed to transition former starter Carlos Martinez relatively seamlessly into the ninth-inning role. Injuries have continued to plague the two-time All-Star, who first pitched in relief last season. As a whole, the Cardinals bullpen has actually formed into a strong unit as the season has progressed, but still needs another left-hander to support former All-Star Andrew Miller, who appears past his prime.

The Cardinals were in the hunt for Smith last winter, but ultimately did not come to terms on a deal with the Giants. St. Louis has been very aggressive on the trade market each of the past two offseasons, acquiring All-Stars Marcell Ozuna and Paul Goldschmidt. Despite their win-now moves, the Cardinals are still looking at a fourth straight year out of the playoffs if they cannot heat up in the second half.

St. Louis is still in contention, which should force their front office’s hand to act as buyers at the trade deadline. Smith is the best relief option, and the Cardinals should be able to meet the Giants asking price. Despite all of their recent trades, the Cardinals do have several intriguing prospects and a handful of young starters who are working to establish themselves in the big leagues.

It may look like the Cardinals should angle themselves more towards selling or standing pat at the deadline, but this is not a franchise that can tolerate missing the playoffs four straight years with all of the resources they have sunk into the roster. The Cardinals need to do whatever it takes to return to the postseason for the first time since 2015.