The Cardinals’ recent slump has turned them into a team with a clear identity crisis: they’re neither contenders nor complete rebuilders. This limbo state creates a fascinating dilemma for general manager Chaim Bloom. On one hand, the team’s top prospects and core players are still in their prime, suggesting they could be competitive in 2027-28. On the other, their current struggles—particularly after the All-Star break—have forced them into a seller’s mindset. What makes this particularly fascinating is how they’re navigating this ambiguity. Are they truly preparing for a rebuild, or is this just a strategic pivot to accumulate assets while still clinging to contention? The answer likely lies in the players they’re willing to trade, and the whispers around Alec Burleson, Jimmy Crooks, and JoJo Romero reveal a lot about their priorities.
Let’s start with Burleson, whose name isn’t as hot as some of his teammates but whose trade value is quietly compelling. At 27, he’s entering his prime and has a contract that’s manageable for a team looking to reset. His 2025 numbers—.287/.344/.459 with 33 homers in 1004 plate appearances—are impressive, but here’s where the intrigue deepens: his split against lefties and righties tells a story of a player who’s fundamentally flawed yet oddly valuable. He’s a .286/.345/.464 hitter against righties, which is elite, but his lefty struggles (.222/.256/.316) make him a liability in platoon situations. This raises a deeper question: why would any team take a player who’s essentially a one-handed weapon? The answer probably lies in the market for first basemen. Teams like the D-backs are desperate for lefty bats, and Burleson’s power against righties could be a godsend—even if it means ignoring his glaring weakness. It’s a reminder that in today’s trade market, teams often prioritize immediate impact over long-term balance.
Then there’s the catching dilemma, which feels like a microcosm of the Cardinals’ broader identity crisis. They’ve got Rainiel Rodriguez, a generational prospect, but also a surplus of young catchers like Leo Bernal and Jimmy Crooks. Crooks, in particular, is a case study in potential versus performance. His Triple-A numbers (.271/.359/.475 with 13 homers in 39 games this season) scream promise, but his MLB line (.171/.261/.317 in 138 PA) is pedestrian. What many people don’t realize is that Crooks’ struggles aren’t due to a lack of skill—they’re a product of limited opportunities and the brutal reality of facing MLB pitching. His 92 mph exit velocity and 52.8% hard-hit rate in Triple-A suggest he’s a classic power hitter, someone who could thrive if given a chance to adjust. But here’s the rub: teams aren’t going to pay for potential. They want results. The Cardinals are in a tough spot because they’re holding onto Crooks despite his MLB underperformance, which says more about their faith in his upside than their willingness to admit mistakes.
And then there’s JoJo Romero, the most obvious trade candidate. A free agent at season’s end, he’s a reliever who’s quietly become a closer in all but name. His 3.35 ERA, 23.1% strikeout rate, and 48.3% ground-ball rate in 43 innings before his appendectomy are elite, and his recent move up the bullpen hierarchy is telling. What this really suggests is that the Cardinals see him as a rental, not a long-term solution. But here’s where the psychology of trades gets interesting: even though Romero’s injury might delay his return, the fact that multiple teams are already in contact with the Cards shows how valuable he is. Contending teams are always on the lookout for a reliable late-inning arm, and Romero’s combination of strikeout ability and ground-ball tendencies makes him a perfect fit. The Cardinals could get a mid-tier prospect in return, which would be a smart move if they’re truly positioning themselves for a rebuild. But if they’re still hoping to compete in 2027, trading a closer might be a gamble they’re not ready to take.
This whole situation highlights a larger trend in modern baseball: teams are increasingly willing to trade their best players even when they’re not completely out of contention. The Cardinals aren’t the only ones doing this; it’s a strategy that’s become more common as rosters become more fluid and the trade deadline looms larger than ever. The key takeaway here is that no one is immune to the pressure to reset. Even teams with young cores and strong farm systems feel the need to trade their best assets to stay competitive. But the real question is whether the Cardinals are making this move out of necessity or just because they’re afraid of missing out. After all, the difference between a rebuild and a contending team often comes down to a single trade, and right now, St. Louis is teetering on that edge.
