Cardinals: 2 catchers not named Willson Contreras stand out as trade targets

If the St. Louis Cardinals are going to trade for a catcher, one of these two targets makes since given Willson Contreras is a pipe dream.

Contreras, rival on the arch rival Cubs, is not going to become a Cardinal overnight. It would be unwise for Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins to deal their prized backstop to St. Louis.

With Contreras a free agent this offseason, St. Louis will wait their turn.

However, the Cards do need a catcher, as Yadier Molina is taking his time recovering from injury (and playing basketball, evidently), while Andrew Knizer cannot do it alone.

FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray listed two other catchers expected to receive some interest, and while one resides on the Brewers, it’s not out of the question that St. Louis could acquire him.

Murray names Tucker Barnhart of the Tigers and Pedro Severino of the Brewers as two catchers available who may go for a cheaper price tag than the likes of Contreras, and he’s right to do so.

Cardinals catching options: Tucker Barnhart or Pedro Severino?

Barnhart is slashing just .207/.268/.243 with a .510 OPS this season. Could a change of scenery help matters? St. Louis would be taking a major gamble. Severino was suspended for PED usage and is therefore ineligible to play in the playoffs, but the Cardinals could use him as catching depth down the stretch while they wait for Yadi to return to full strength.

Neither is the long-term option, especially once Molina retires. St. Louis hopes Ivan Herrera turns into that. But for now, they could be the Cardinals best bet of ensuring they’re covered behind home plate until whatever point in August Molina decides to come back.