4 St. Louis Cardinals who should already be on the trade block

4. Paul DeJong should be on the Cardinals trade block

The trade block is nothing new for Paul DeJong. Over the past couple of seasons, fans have placed him on the block with hopes the Cardinals would flip him for a needed asset. With a six-year $26 million set to expire after this season unless the team picks up on an option for 2024, this should be a season DeJong strives to impress.

Tommy Edman is away from the team as he’s playing for Team Korea in the WBC. This should give DeJong plenty of opportunity to shine. However, Cardinals prospect Masyn Winn’s star is shining a little brighter.

DeJong has been struggling with arm fatigue but has been inserted in the lineup as the designated hitter. He’s hitting .222/.417/.667 with an OPS of 1.083. He has one home run and two RBI. There was hope that DeJong would be hitting a little better at this time as he spent the offseason working with the Cardinals’ newest hitting coach, Daniel Nicolaisen.

Winn has been very impresseive with his defense and quick throws to first from shortstop. Check out this basket catch Winn made:

And then, Winn can also hit. In Spring Training, he’s hitting .389/.476/.611 and an OPS of 1.087, one home run, seven hits, two RBI, and three stolen bases.

Winn has additionally played at second base, making him a versatile option in the middle infield. A tandem of Edman and Winn at shortstop and of Brendan Donovan or Nolan Gorman at second base may lead to DeJong not exactly having a spot with the Cardinals.

This is the final year of DeJong’s current contract with the Cardinals. At some point, the Cardinals may get something in return for DeJong by trading him during the season. DeJong has potential but needs a change in scenery away from the Cardinals.