Cardinals: 3 surprise players who could be traded this offseason
By Mark Powell
The St. Louis Cardinals shocked baseball this week by firing manager Mike Shildt despite making the postseason. What other surprises might they have in store?
Shildt was let go due to philosophical differences, whatever that means. Nonetheless, the Cardinals have an active offseason in front of them, starting with Nolan Arenado’s decision on an all-important player option. Reports indicate that Arenado is likely to return.
Despite an incredible win streak to end the season, the Cardinals still came three rounds short of their ultimate goal. That means change is imminent, and it doesn’t end with Shildt.
Mike Girsch has pulled the trigger on a couple of impressive trades the last few years, including stealing Arenado from Colorado and Paul Goldschmidt from Arizona.
Cardinals: 3 players that could be traded this offseason
Paul DeJong:
Paul DeJong is a great bounce-back candidate, and very attainable for the right price.
DeJong hit under the Mendoza line this season, earning himself a backup role perhaps heading into Spring Training. Edmundo Sosa is the starting shortstop over DeJong, and the Cardinals could do better at designated hitter assuming the rule is updated for 2022, allowing NL teams to employ a DH.
DeJong’s on-base percentage is abysmal, and a lot of that has to do with his low batting average with balls in play. While one would assume a luck statistic would help DeJong bounce back, the Cardinals quite simply have better options at shortstop and DH moving forward, and can probably fetch something for a capable fielder who is a little down for the moment.