The baseball world was stunned when superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado began the 2025 season still wearing a St. Louis Cardinals uniform.
Many had expected the team to overhaul its roster after back-to-back disappointing years. But a rebuild that once seemed inevitable has all but vanished, as the Cardinals have emerged as legitimate contenders in the NL Central this season.
As of Monday, St. Louis trailed the division-leading Chicago Cubs by just two games with a 30-23 record — strong enough to currently hold a National League Wild Card spot.
With their competitive play continuing, it’s becoming more likely the Cardinals will be in the playoff hunt for the long term. That shift has completely changed their approach to the upcoming trade deadline.
Rather than offloading players, the Cardinals are now in the market for reinforcements to boost their playoff chances. Arenado is no longer a trade candidate — but one of their former top prospects could be.
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Jordan Walker Emerging as Trade Option for Cardinals
Despite the team’s success, outfielder Jordan Walker has continued to struggle at the plate. Once viewed as a future cornerstone, the former No. 4 overall prospect has yet to break through. So far this season, he’s batting just .212 with three home runs and 20 RBIs — following an underwhelming 2024 campaign.
Although St. Louis isn’t abandoning Walker based on just 44 games, his lack of production could make him a key trade chip at the deadline. He still has youth and upside, and that might be enough for the Cardinals to land much-needed help in return.
Scouts still believe in Walker’s potential, especially given his imposing 6-foot-6, 250-pound frame and untapped power. While his recent performance likely won’t fetch top-tier prospects or star players, teams seeking a high-upside reclamation project might be willing to part with a useful piece. The real question for the Cardinals is whether that gamble will pay off.
