3 STL Cardinals most likely to be dealt next at the trade deadline

STL Cardinals who should be traded next: Paul DeJong

Paul DeJong is far from the player he once was, but the former NL All-Star still has some trade value left, so expect the Cardinals to deal him. DeJong made the NL All-Star team back in 2019, but hasn’t been the same player since. This season, he’s slashing just .233/.297/.412 in 81 games. He hasn’t received regular playing time and is listed as the backup shortstop behind Tommy Edman (when healthy) and for good reason.

So, will some team try to kick the tires on DeJong? Several already have, as the Cards have received calls from the San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox in the last week. San Francisco, for one, has a particular interest in the infield market. As NBC Bay Area points out, there is an urgency to the Giants situation:

"“DeJong likely will be traded sooner rather than later. The seven-year vet has posted a .725 OPS with 13 home runs in 297 plate appearances this year. In 2017, he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting after hitting 25 homers. He has posted a .305 on-base percentage in his big league career, but as Thairo Estrada (hand) and Brandon Crawford (knee) work their way back from their respective injuries and Casey Schmitt’s struggles persisting, DeJong certainly could be used in the meantime.”"

DeJong provides an immediate upgrade for a winning team, and can be had for an affordable asking price. St. Louis could even pair him with Flaherty or Carlson, in this case, should San Francisco be interested in the pitching or outfield markets.