The St. Louis Cardinals are in a position that few anticipated only months ago—buyers with genuine postseason aspirations—as the 2025 MLB trade deadline draws near. Fueled by a combination of senior leadership and a young movement that has brought fresh vitality to the clubhouse, the Cardinals have roared back into the National League Wild Card race after a rough summer and a poor start. The Cardinals are in a position to be among the most aggressive purchasers at this year’s deadline because the front staff and ownership are finally in agreement to push for October.
Cardinals’ Playoff Push
There was uncertainty at the start of the 2025 Cardinals season. After consecutive underwhelming seasons, the executive staff had declared a “reset” for the organization, emphasizing salary flexibility and player development. But the calculus was altered by a run of early-season wins and an incredible nine-game winning streak in June. Suddenly, with postseason chances that had been slowly improving since Opening Day, St. Louis was only one game away from the last Wild Card place.
Not everyone has overlooked this comeback. John Mozeliak, the club president, has said in public that ownership is willing to back deadline signings that may strengthen the squad for a postseason run if the team is still in the running. Longtime baseball fans of the Cardinals are excited once more, and the front administration understands how important it is to take advantage of this chance.
The Cardinals have obvious areas that require improvement, even with their improved play. Sonny Gray is the only real No. 2 starter in the rotation, despite it being serviceable. The back end has been beset by injuries and inconsistent play, and it is widely believed that bringing in a dependable, playoff-tested arm may be the difference between a one-and-done Wild Card run and a genuine October run. Additionally, with Phil Maton and Ryan Helsley both scheduled to enter free agency following the season, the bullpen could use another high-leverage reliever.
The lineup has been inconsistent offensively, but pitching is still the front office’s top priority. The Cardinals are able to seek a major improvement without taking on debt because to their rich farm system.
The Predicted Trade
The Cardinals’ acquisition of starting pitcher Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks is the most likely blockbuster transaction before the deadline, according to an analysis of the market and the requirements of competing teams. Kelly is just the kind of arm that St. Louis is looking for; he is a proven playoff performer with a team-friendly deal through 2026. With a roster shortage and a need to retool for the future, the Diamondbacks are on the verge of elimination and are willing to trade Kelly for the appropriate set of prospects [9].
Projected Trade Proposal
Cardinals receive:
- Merrill Kelly
Diamondbacks receive:
- Quinn Mathews
- Thomas Saggese
- Chase Davis
St. Louis has made a substantial but well-considered investment with this package. The centerpiece of the agreement is Mathews, the Cardinals’ No. 2 prospect and current Minor League Pitching Prospect of the Year. The package is completed by Davis, a power-hitting outfielder with potential, and Saggese, a flexible infielder with a solid hit tool. While St. Louis acquires a reliable starter to lead their postseason rotation, Arizona’s return kickstarts a retool with three players who are almost MLB-ready [7][8][10].
Why This Trade Makes Sense
Kelly’s acquisition is an attempt by the Cardinals to take advantage of momentum and strengthen their most obvious vulnerability. Kelly offers instant consistency because of his longevity, postseason experience, and ability to pitch deep into games. In order to provide the Cardinals a strong one-two punch for a possible postseason matchup, he positions himself behind Gray. Strengthening the rotation could be the last piece of the jigsaw, as the offense is starting to show signs of life and the bullpen is holding its own.
The management office’s conviction that the current squad can contend right now is demonstrated by their willingness to trade with elite talents like Mathews and Saggese. With players like Tink Hence, JJ Wetherholt, and Jimmy Crooks still in the pipeline, the Cardinals’ farm system is still strong and makes sure that the future is not mortgaged for the present [7][11].
Maximizing value for an asset that might not meet their long-term intentions is the goal of this transaction for the Diamondbacks. Arizona sets itself up for a speedy turnaround by acquiring three high-upside prospects, which also frees up salary flexibility for future moves.
The National League would be rocked by this transaction. The Cardinals, who have always taken a methodical approach, would be boldly declaring that now is the moment to win. The addition of Kelly would indicate a renewed commitment to competing and might rekindle excitement and attendance at Busch Stadium among a fan base eager for playoff success.
The Cardinals are positioned to be one of the most exciting clubs to watch as the 2025 trade deadline draws closer. St. Louis is taking a calculated risk that may pay off in October by going for Merrill Kelly and taking advantage of their depth of prospects. The Cardinals’ deadline will be defined by this deal, which might also pave the way for a deep playoff run and a new era of prosperity in St. Louis.
