Cardinals Expected to Sell Veterans at MLB Trade Deadline

The St. Louis Cardinals, currently on the fringe of playoff contention in the 2025 MLB season, face a critical decision at the trade deadline between buying to compete or selling to build for the future. Key players such as reliever Steven Matz, starter Erick Fedde, and star closer Ryan Helsley—each in the final year of their contracts—are considered likely trade candidates, with the team weighing the risks of trading top talent against the potential to acquire valuable prospects. The Cardinals' front office is exploring a dual strategy of moving veteran players who are not part of the long-term core while nurturing young talent like Michael McGreevy, aiming to balance competitiveness with a youth movement. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal suggests the Cardinals are more inclined to sell, given their realistic assessment of their World Series chances, which aligns with previous analysis highlighting the depth of tradeable assets including Nolan Arenado and others. Despite a recent strong performance including a sweep of the Chicago White Sox, the team has cooled off in June, reinforcing the possibility of trading veterans to maximize returns and make roster space for emerging players. Ultimately, St. Louis's decision will have significant implications for its 2025 playoff push and its roster construction in the coming years.