Cardinals, Padres Weigh Trades Amid Playoff Races

The St. Louis Cardinals, sitting at 47-40 and in the playoff hunt, are considering trades involving key players such as Ryan Helsley and Nolan Arenado to enhance their long-term flexibility, with Helsley drawing considerable interest despite a down year. The Cardinals’ trade legacy includes historic successes like acquiring Ozzie Smith from the Padres and Lou Brock from the Cubs, as well as less favorable outcomes such as the disappointing return from the Jordan Hicks trade. Other MLB teams, notably the Padres, are expected to both buy and sell at the trade deadline, seeking to balance payroll and future competitiveness. Trade speculation also surrounds stars like Marcell Ozuna, who has the power to veto any potential deal. The Cardinals' front office is likely to prioritize trading players on expiring contracts while protecting their top prospects. Their approach reflects a balance between bolstering their current playoff push and managing future assets.