Cardinals Contend Leading NL Central Amid Trade Deadline Buzz

The St. Louis Cardinals have defied preseason expectations by maintaining a strong playoff position in the 2025 MLB season, leading to a shift in trade deadline strategy from selling veterans to potentially adding depth while continuing to rely on young talent. Despite earlier speculation about trading key players like Ryan Helsley, Nolan Arenado, and Sonny Gray, the team's competitive performance has made such moves less likely, with Cardinals President John Mozeliak affirming commitment to the youth movement. Helsley, although an expiring contract and top closer, is now considered an unlikely trade candidate unless the team’s fortunes change drastically. Young players like shortstop Masyn Winn and catcher Ivan Herrera have emerged as key contributors, bolstering the team’s playoff push. However, trade rumors persist around pitchers such as Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, and Erick Fedde should the Cardinals' playoff hopes fade. Additionally, former Cardinals pitcher Sandy Alcántara, now with the Miami Marlins, remains a high-profile trade candidate despite a difficult season, highlighting the broader trade market dynamics connected to the Cardinals.