3 Players the Cardinals Should Explore Trading This Offseason

It's no shock the St. Louis Cardinals were improved in 2019, but not many people had them winning the NL Central and reaching the NLCS. Despite making it that far, they were embarrassed by the Nationals and a huge reason is because of the poor performances from their veteran pieces on the roster.

The team will have to shake things up this offseason, so here are three players the front office should consider trading.

3. OF Jose Martinez

St Louis Cardinals v New York Mets / Mike Stobe/Getty Images

I know Jose Martinez can hit and he's a great presence in the clubhouse, but what position does he play? St. Louis has tried hiding him in the outfield, but that hasn't worked, and he's too good to be a bat off the bench. Unless the Cardinals know that the DH is coming in 2020, they need to see what they can get for Martinez, who is destined to be an everyday DH.

2. OF Dexter Fowler

Divisional Series - St Louis Cardinals v Atlanta Braves - Game Five / Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

Dexter Fowler wasn't a complete liability this past season like he was in 2018, but his 19 home runs, 67 RBI and 98 OPS+ isn't worth the $16.5 million he's set to earn in each of the next two years. Fowler has not been the on-base machine he was with the Chicago Cubs, which is why they need to find a team whose willing to take the 33-year-old and instead start using Harrison Bader, Tyler O'Neill and Randy Arozarena in the outfield.

1. 3B Matt Carpenter

Divisional Series - Atlanta Braves v St Louis Cardinals - Game Three / Scott Kane/Getty Images

After being an MVP candidate in 2018 when he slugged .523 and belted 36 home runs, Matt Carpenter had by far his worst year in 2019, slashing .226/.334/.392 with 15 home runs and 43 RBI. Carpenter will make $18.5 million in each of the next two years, including a vesting option for a third year, so it wouldn't be easy to move. The path of least resistance for the Cardinals is to hope Carpenter bounces back and is the hitter of old, but should they? Carpenter will be 34 years old next year, and do they want him blocking a player like Tommy Edman? I wouldn't, but Carpenter is being paid too much money to be a bench bat, which he was during the playoffs. St. Louis has to make him available for trade and see what they can get for him.