MLB rumors: Paul Goldschmidt trade talk, Verlander reunion a tough sell, more

Cardinals/Paul Goldschmidt trade is still on the table

Jake Mintz of Fox Sports has reported that the Cardinals, “haven’t completely shut down offers on Paul Goldschmidt,” (H/TMLB Deadline News).

The first baseman is one of the logical players St. Louis could look to sell, but only if you look through an objective lens. While he’s become a comforting name for the franchise the last several years, he is nearing the final year of his contract and his historically great batting could tempt other teams looking to add to their infield or DH slot to provide an offer the Cardinals can’t turn down.

After logging an OPS near .900 for the first two months of the season, his bat has cooled a bit as the Cardinals have struggled. His OPS has dropped to .766 in June and .752 in July. Still relatively decent, but not exactly the blistering pace fans have come to expect from Goldy.

Team President John Mozeliak has been rather shy and outwardly against trading foundational players like Nolan Arenado or Goldschmidt. Like I said, objectively, moving him makes sense. Subjectively, the Cardinals value their culture and hate to trade away good players.

Late last week, though, Arenado’s name came up in trade talks, though the team later shut down the idea of him being included in any trades.

Goldschmidt would be a shock to see moved, but it’s important for the Cardinals to at least listen to any offers coming in to see if there’s a fee worth grabbing.