The offseason may be winding down, but the Cardinals' trade activity could still be heating up. With a roster full of intriguing assets, the Redbirds have options to consider as Opening Day 2026 approaches. Let's dive into three Cardinals who might find themselves in new uniforms soon:
JoJo Romero
JoJo Romero is a standout name when discussing potential trade assets. The left-handed reliever is coming off a stellar season, boasting a 2.07 ERA and a career-high 8 saves.
What sets Romero apart is his ability to induce weak contact rather than relying solely on strikeouts. With a groundball rate in the 95th percentile, his approach is all about missing the barrel and getting those crucial outs.
Romero’s slider and sinker combination is a nightmare for hitters, making him a valuable asset for any bullpen. The Red Sox are reportedly interested in adding a lefty reliever, and teams like the Diamondbacks and Mets could also be potential landing spots.
Pedro Pages
Next up is Pedro Pages, the Cardinals' 2025 catcher, who finds himself in a precarious position. At 27, Pages has made a name for himself with stellar defensive skills, excelling in framing and throwing out runners. However, his offensive contributions have lagged behind.
With the Cardinals' other catchers, Jimmy Crooks and Yohel Pozo, showing power at the plate, Pages might find himself as a backup elsewhere. He’s proven he belongs in the majors, and a trade could benefit both him and the Cardinals. Teams like the Red Sox, Marlins, and Royals might be looking to bolster their catching depth.
Thomas Saggese
Rounding out the list is Thomas Saggese, who seems to be the odd man out in camp. The challenge for St. Louis is finding enough at-bats for their talented young hitters, including Nolan Gorman, Jordan Walker, JJ Wetherholt, and Ivan Herrera.
Saggese struggled last season, posting a .641 OPS with only two home runs in 295 at-bats. Despite his potential, his performance hasn't translated to the majors yet.
Known for his versatility and ability to cut down on strikeouts in the minors, he reminds some of Brendan Donovan. However, it seems unlikely he'll have the opportunity to put it all together in St.
Louis.
The Cardinals' camp has been promising, with pitching prospects on the rise and young hitters showing growth. As the team looks to the future, any trade would aim to strengthen their position for the season ahead. If moves are made, they'll be with an eye on the bigger picture.