Cardinals: 3 prospects to target in any Dylan Carlson trade, 1 to avoid

St. Louis Cardinals switch-hitting outfielder Dylan Carlson could become a hot commodity as the trade deadline nears. 

Last season, Dylan Carlson’s name was mixed with many other young St. Louis Cardinals prospects when it was believed the team was in play to land Juan Soto from the Washington Nationals. Fans later found out that the president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, told Carlson he shouldn’t be worried about being traded.

It will be curious to see if we hear that Carlson gets the same message at this trade deadline.

The Cardinals entered the All-Star break in last place in the NL Central with a 38-52 record, 11.5 games back of the Cincinnati Reds. It’s been a rough season, so could making trades help the team climb out of last place? Something needs to happen to turn things around for the Cardinals.

Carlson was once the top prospect in the organization. Since his 2020 debut, he’s struggled with health issues and shifts to his hitting style. This season he’s hitting .241/.342/.373 with an OPS of .715. He has five doubles, one triple, five home runs, 20 runs, and 20 RBI. He plays anywhere in the outfield but has the most success in center field.

Let’s discuss the type of player the Cardinals should target in any deal for Carlson.

Cardinals should target a player like Robby Snelling, LHP Padres

Robby Snelling could be a player for the Cardinals to target. The lefty pitcher was drafted 39th overall by the San Diego Padres in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Robert McQueen High School in Reno, Nevada.

This season he’s 6-1 with a 1.73 ERA over 13 games started in 62.1 innings. He’s struck out 68 batters, is just 19 years old, only a year removed from high school. That’s pretty amazing for the young man, and seeing what he can accomplish will be fun.

This would be an excellent pitcher type for the Cardinals. He’s a lefty who is already throwing multiple innings and throwing strikes at 19 years old. He would be a great addition to the Cardinals because while they do need pitching now, they will need to continue to have depth at the position. Snelling fits the profile of the type of pitcher the Cardinals need.