The St. Louis Cardinals are making their intentions clear as the MLB trade deadline approaches — they’re not backing down. In a bold step to address their most pressing weakness, the club has reportedly submitted a trade proposal for veteran Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly, a dependable starter currently earning $18 million in the final year of his contract.
After weeks of inconsistent performances from key rotation arms like Miles Mikolas and Erick Fedde, the Cardinals’ need for stability on the mound has become impossible to ignore. Rather than tearing things down, the front office appears ready to reinforce its roster and stay competitive in a tightly packed National League playoff race.
Kelly, a 35-year-old right-hander, has emerged as a popular trade target across the league thanks to his experience, consistency, and postseason composure. While he may not be a headline-grabbing ace, Kelly has quietly been one of the most reliable arms in the NL this season — making him an ideal midseason addition for a team with playoff hopes.
With the Diamondbacks sliding out of contention, Kelly is widely expected to be moved before the deadline. His expiring deal makes him a rental, but a valuable one — and likely available at a manageable price.
The Cardinals’ proposal suggests a commitment to contending now rather than resetting for the future. And while there’s no guarantee the trade will go through, it’s a signal to fans and rivals alike: St. Louis is prepared to act swiftly and decisively to fix its rotation issues and push for October baseball.
