In Order to Let the Favorite Veteran Stay, Cardinals Raise the Trade Value of 3 — While 2 See It Plummet Early in the Season

By Josh Jacobs | May 1, 2025

The St. Louis Cardinals came into the 2025 season with a plan — but it wasn’t the overhaul fans were expecting. Instead of launching a full-blown rebuild, the front office made a quieter move: keeping Willson Contreras, one of the team’s most respected veterans and clubhouse leaders.

But retaining a big-name player like Contreras, who holds a no-trade clause and has voiced his desire to remain in St. Louis, means others will have to go — and their trade value needs to be worth it. As May begins, the team appears to be showcasing certain veterans to boost their appeal to buyers. Meanwhile, a couple of others have seen their stock slip, making a potential move far less likely.

Here are three Cardinals whose value is trending up — and two who might be losing the front office’s faith.

🔼 1. Nolan Arenado — Reclaiming His Power and His Market

Coming off a lackluster 2024, Nolan Arenado entered this season with plenty to prove. After trade talks with multiple teams fizzled over the winter, including a near-deal with Houston, Arenado opened 2025 with a quiet intensity — and he’s delivered.

He’s improved his OBP, SLG, wRC+, and walk rate while cutting his strikeouts to an elite 6.8%. Though he may never return fully to MVP form, his current pace has him on track for his best fWAR since 2022. With teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, and Padres all needing help at third base, his value is climbing fast — potentially allowing St. Louis to offload his salary and keep Contreras.

🔼 2. Giovanny Gallegos — Quietly Dominant in the Bullpen

While the spotlight tends to favor starters and sluggers, Giovanny Gallegos has quietly boosted his trade profile this year. After a shaky 2024, he’s settled back into form with a sub-2.50 ERA and strong strikeout numbers in high-leverage innings.

For playoff contenders seeking bullpen depth, Gallegos offers veteran experience and late-inning composure — and he’s affordable. His resurgence gives the Cardinals a valuable chip to play in July.

🔼 3. Tommy Edman — Versatile, Healthy, and Hitting Again

Tommy Edman entered the year with injury concerns, but he’s quickly reminded the league of his value. Playing multiple infield and outfield positions, he’s also slashing respectably at the plate with increased contact and on-base skills.

Edman’s versatility, team-friendly contract, and bounce-back performance have made him a top utility target for postseason-bound teams — exactly the kind of player that can fetch a decent return without upsetting the core.

🔻 4. Dylan Carlson — From Top Prospect to Trade Question Mark

Just two years ago, Dylan Carlson was a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ future. Now, his slow start in 2025 has further clouded his future. Struggling at the plate and still dealing with defensive inconsistencies, Carlson’s ceiling is increasingly in question.

Teams may still be intrigued by his age and potential, but his declining production and limited impact make him more of a throw-in than a headline trade asset right now.

🔻 5. Steven Matz — Contract and Performance Weigh Him Down

The Cardinals would love to move on from Steven Matz, but that’s easier said than done. With an ERA near 6.00 and a contract that still has money attached, Matz has become a difficult piece to unload.

His fastball velocity has dipped, his walk rate is up, and even with flashes of his old self, consistency continues to evade him. If the Cardinals want to move Matz, they may have to eat salary or package him with another player — further complicating trade options.

Bottom Line:
In an effort to hold onto a franchise leader like Willson Contreras, the Cardinals are quietly raising the stock of others to build trade value. As the deadline looms, expect the front office to cash in on the vets who are trending up — while facing tougher decisions on those whose value has taken a dive.