Cardinals: 5 MLB trade deadline mistakes John Mozeliak will regret

5. Not clearing the logjam in the outfield

There were speculations one or more of the Cardinals outfielders could have been traded at the deadline. Instead, that logjam still exists.

Tyler O’Neill, Lars Nootbaar, Dylan Carlson, Alec Burleson, and Jordan Walker are on the active roster. Juan Yepez and Moises Gomez are on the 40-man roster but are with AAA Memphis. Walker and Nootbaar were known to be untouchable. O’Neill contributed well after his lengthy stint on the injured. Burleson is a versatile roster member who can also help in the infield when Paul Goldschmidt needs an off day.

Carlson was believed to be the odd man out, with manager Oli Marmol even saying their outfield would be O’Neill, Nootbaar, and Walker moving forward.

Instead of Carlson, Yepez, or Burleson being flipped for starting pitching, the three remain on the team. This doesn’t, however, mean they will be part of the Cardinals’ plans. Mozeliak has said the offseason will be used to continue improving the pitching staff, which only has Miles Mikolas and Steven Matz set for the rotation next season.

4. Getting middle infielders with Masyn Winn on the way

The Cardinals’ middle infield has a few questions now that Paul DeJong is playing for the Blue Jays.

The Cardinals got some good news with Tommy Edman returning from the injured list, as Brendan Donovan is expected to undergo season-ending surgery on his right elbow. Nolan Gorman has had some injury concerns and shined as the club’s second baseman and designated hitter. Taylor Motter and Jose Fermin have served as nice backups.

And then, the Cardinals’ No. 1 prospect, Masyn Winn, could make his way to St. Louis before the end of the season.  At 21, Winn is putting up ridiculous numbers at Memphis hitting .284/.356/.467 with an OPS of .823. He has 14 doubles, six triples, and 16 home runs. He has 86 runs scored and 55 RBI. That offense would be very welcome in St. Louis.

Considering this, the acquisition of Saggese and Prieto is interesting. Both are nice pieces to add depth, but will they create a middle infield logjam? Edman and Donovan are super-utility players who can play infield and outfield. Gorman has been a top prospect in the organization and has worked hard to make the second base position his. With the arrival of Winn around the corner, will more deals become necessary? Could Prieto and Saggese be flipped again? Will this allow for Edman, a fan favorite, to be moved?

The middle infield depth is great for now, but it could be a headache down the road.