The St. Louis Cardinals find themselves at a pivotal moment in the season, having slipped below .500 and establishing a clear intent to sell as the trade deadline approaches. With a stockpile of players available for potential trades, executives foresee opportunities, particularly for rising talents like Alec Burleson, Jimmy Crooks, and JoJo Romero, as they reassess their competitive timeline.
Alec Burleson’s Trade Prospects
Alec Burleson, while not frequently highlighted in trade discussions, is emerging as a viable candidate for clubs looking to bolster their rosters. The 27-year-old outfielder and first baseman, earning $3.3 million this year, is under control through 2028 via arbitration. Although the Cardinals maintain aspirations for contention in the coming seasons, Burleson's profile as a productive hitter might yield significant returns in the form of young pitching prospects.
Drafted at No. 70 overall in 2020, Burleson made his MLB debut in 2022 and has since established himself as a credible middle-order bat. Since the start of 2025, he's posted an impressive .287/.344/.459 line, accruing 33 home runs and 52 doubles, along with a respectable strikeout rate of 14.9%. His performance against right-handers stands out, evidenced by a .286 average, while his struggles against lefties—marked by a .195 average so far this season—prompt discussions on a more selective deployment strategy.
Interest from Rival Teams
Particularly for teams needing first base assistance, Burleson's trade value may be appealing. The likes of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Minnesota Twins, and Cleveland Guardians have shown interest in left-handed bats to enhance their offensive strategy. While a deal for Burleson isn't a certainty, he's certainly on the Cardinals' radar as trading possibilities unfold.
The Catching Dilemma: Crooks and Herrera
Meanwhile, Cardinals management is evaluating its wealth of catchers, with Jimmy Crooks and Ivan Herrera positioned as attractive trade pieces. Reports suggest both players are generating interest, although the franchise is hesitant to part with Herrera, who they believe possesses more long-term upside despite concerns about his defensive abilities.
Crooks has experienced a challenging season, batting just .171 at the major league level. However, in Triple-A, his numbers tell a different story. With a .271/.359/.475 line and significant power—13 home runs in 39 games—he has demonstrated the ability to succeed against minor league pitching. His considerable potential as a power-hitting catcher, combined with solid defensive capabilities, makes him an enticing option for teams like the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels, both seeking catching depth.
JoJo Romero’s Status and Market Value
On the pitching front, JoJo Romero's recent appendectomy might give teams pause, yet he remains a sought-after asset. Prior to his injury, Romney was proving himself with a strong 3.35 ERA and a strikeout rate of 23.1%. With over 199 innings pitched since the 2023 season, maintaining a sub-4.00 ERA in four consecutive seasons highlights his reliability as a late-inning option.
Given that Romero is set to hit free agency at the end of the season, the Cardinals' window for maximizing his value may be limited. Nonetheless, even in his current health status, league interest appears robust, providing St. Louis with an opportunity to secure mid-range prospects as he recovers.
Future Outlook
The Cardinals are at a crossroads, with the potential to reconstruct their roster through shrewd trades. Burleson, Crooks, and Romero each present unique opportunities for partner teams, which could facilitate the acquisition of valuable prospects. As organizations like the Yankees position themselves in the market, the Cardinals' willingness to engage in trade talks could redefine their competitive landscape heading into next season.
With the trade deadline looming, front offices are gearing up for what promises to be a busy period in MLB. The Cardinals' decision to explore the market for these players reflects higher hopes for a brighter future, pushing the narrative forward as the organization looks to replenish its farm system and address its ongoing challenges.