St. Louis Cardinals: 4 disappointments who should be replaced by the trade deadline

Will anyone take Matt Carpenter off the Cardinals’ hands?

No question, it was a great ride, but all great rides have to come to an end. No, we’re not talking about Wainwright or future hall-of-fame backstop Yadier Molina, though both stars’ days are numbered in the big leagues. We are talking about former NL All-Star and MVP candidate Matt Carpenter. He was a great player for the Cardinals but has not been that for them since 2018.

As with LeBlanc and Martinez, Carpenter is on an expiring deal. In his age-35 season out of TCU, Carpenter is slashing a dreadful .175/.315/.300 in 146 plate appearances. With the Cardinals having brought in Nolan Arenado by way of trade, Carpenter no longer gets the regular playing time he used to get back in his prime nearly a decade ago. All good things must come to an end.

Even if he has been with the Cardinals since 2011, Carpenter has been a shell of himself in his 30s. He used to be one of the most difficult hitters to get out in the National League. His 2013 MLB season should never be forgotten for helping St. Louis get back to the Fall Classic. However, if the Cardinals are gearing up for a youth movement later this summer, Carpenter will not be part of it.

Overall, Cardinals fans have many reasons to be upset after how this season has gone. This team was talented enough on paper to win the NL Central going away and contend for a World Series berth. Sadly, this team is in a difficult spot. They are not solid across the board and are very expensive at the corner infield spots with Arenado and Goldschmidt. They have to do something.

What other moves should the Cardinals make to salvage what looks to be a lost 2021 season?