3 most valuable Cardinals trade chips at the deadline if they sell

Andrew Miller is the ideal veteran left-hander reliever other teams would covet

When it comes to potential bang for the buck, the most valuable trade asset the Cardinals have on their roster is veteran left-handed relief pitcher Andrew Miller. This is Miller’s 16th big-league season out of North Carolina. The two-time All-Star is in the final year of his Cardinals contract. He will be 37-years-old next season, but would be the ideal bullpen mercenary for a contending team.

Miller has a 4.15 ERA and a 1.558 WHIP in 18 appearances for the Cardinals this season over 17.1 innings. Though a bit past his prime when he was with the Cleveland Indians and the New York Yankees before that, Miller’s veteran experience in the postseason would be a huge get for any team in dire need of bullpen help. The best part is the Cardinals could get quite the return for him.

Overall, Miller has not been nearly as dominant during his three-year run with the Cardinals as he had been over in the American League for the better part of the decade prior. While St. Louis may prefer to trade him to a contending team in the Junior Circuit, the Cardinals’ front office cannot be too picky when it comes to getting the best offer it can on a depreciate bullpen asset like Miller.

Ultimately, the Cardinals should have enough trade assets to entice a contending team or two for a handful of top prospects. While giving up a starter like Gant or an outfielder like O’Neill may require more return than other teams would be willing to give up, the Cardinals should be able to get decent return for a relief pitcher like Miller. If St. Louis wants to sell, they do have the assets.

What other players could potentially be moved by the Cardinals ahead of the deadline this season?