3 Players the Cardinals Should Consider Trading if They're Not in Contention at the Deadline

The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to return to the postseason in 2020 after a disappointing exit last year. However, plans change and a slow start could lead to the Cardinals offloading some veterans at the trade deadline in order to restock the roster for 2021. Several players stand out as trade candidates to get dealt midseason, but these three may be the most likely to be sent packing.

3. Brad Miller

INF Brad Miller is on a one-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The Cardinals signed Brad Miller to a one-year, $2 million deal this offseason. He has been used as a bench piece over the past few seasons, but does have everyday experience as a utility player. He likely won't command a big haul in a trade, but the Cards could pick up a useful prospect in exchange for the 30-year-old if they're out of contention.

2. Matt Carpenter

A great start for St. Louis Cardinals 3B Matt Carpenter could lead to a trade. / Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Matt Carpenter won't be an easy player to trade. He is making $18.5 million in each of the next two seasons and has a vested option for the same amount in 2022. The three-time All-Star only had a 0.8 WAR in 2019 despite finishing ninth in NL MVP voting the year before. An All-Star start to the season would raise Carpenter's stock and the Cardinals could look to dump his salary to a team chasing a World Series title in 2020.

1. Carlos Martinez

RHP Carlos Martinez is an intriguing St. Louiis Cardinals trade candidate. / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Carlos Martinez spent 2019 in the bullpen and is looking to return to his role as a starter in 2020. He is making $11.7 million in each of the next two seasons before he has club options in 2022 and 2023. His versatility and the fact he can be let go after 2021 make him a viable trade candidate, though his injury history will certainly have some teams wary. He's just a few years removed from being an All-Star caliber starter, now the question is whether or not he can return to that form.