3 STL Cardinals most likely to be dealt next at the trade deadline
By Mark Powell
STL Cardinals who should be traded next: Dylan Carlson
The Cardinals are prioritizing Jordan Walker and Lars Nootbaar in the outfield, as they should. That leaves Dylan Carlson as a likely odd man out. Tyler O’Neill, whose injury history and contract made him a popular trade rumor target for much of the season in St. Louis, is now likely to stay as well.
Carlson has another three years of control left on his contract. The Cardinals should be able to get something of value for him, especially if they pair Flaherty or another pitcher with Carlson. St. Louis hopes to trade for young pitching, while the Seattle Mariners are said to need outfield depth. Could a trade for Logan Gilbert, who the Cardinals have scouted, be on the horizon?
Either way, Carlson’s already drawn interest from the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees and other borderline contenders. He’s not much use in St. Louis unless Mozeliak and Oli Marmol believe he can turn his bat around. Carlson can also play center field, which increases his overall value to outfield-needy teams. He has the sort of flexibility one would want in an OF target.
MLB trade rumors highlighted Carlson’s value, but also his recent demise as of the 2023 trade deadline:
"“Carlson, unlike the other three players the Cardinals have traded in the past 24 hours, is not a free agent at season’s end. He has three years of club control remaining beyond the current season. A former top prospect himself, the 24-year-old’s standing in St. Louis has seemingly deteriorated as he’s produced at a roughly league-average level since turning in a strong 2021 campaign.”"
Perhaps some contending team still sees value in Carlson, but for now pairing with him Flaherty or another pitcher is the right decision.