St. Louis will be busy this summer, but it does not appear like either of these guys will be traded.
The St. Louis Cardinals are anticipated to be very active this offseason as they try to clear out their outfield stalemate.
St. Louis needs to add starting pitching, and the free agent market will be fierce. The Cardinals are certain to sign one or two starters in free agency, but three starters may not be as likely as they think. St. Louis is sure to turn to the trade market, and many players have already been connected to potential transactions. Despite this, it does not appear like the team will move either Jordan Walker or Lars Nootbaar, however other outfielders may be dealt, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Nootbaar and Walker have seen their names mentioned in trade rumors sparingly over the last year. Every now and then they may pop up, but a move never has been likely. O’Neill has been the most likely trade candidate seemingly since Opening Day last year and Carlson also has drawn plenty of interest. Edman impressed this past season and can play all over the field so it isn’t surprising that other teams will have interest.
St. Louis has a logjam in the outfield so it wouldn’t be surprising to see the club trade O’Neill, Carlson, or Edman away this offseason, especially if a move brings a starting pitcher back to St. Louis. If they did so, their outfield would still be a strength with Nootbaar, Walker, and someone like Brendan Donovan.
“St. Louis has told other teams it doesn’t plan on moving outfielders Jordan Walker or Lars Nootbaar but others will be in play,” Passan told the media. “Teams believe the most likely candidate is (Tyler O’Neill), who is a year away from free agency and clashed with manager Oli Marmol this year.” Another strong buy-low prospect is (Dylan Carlson). And (Tommy Edman), a fantastic utility player who can also play shortstop, is the most valuable of the three.”
