MLB Trade Rumors: Cardinals, Nationals Could Become Sellers Before 2018 Deadline

The Washington Nationals and St. Louis Cardinals have some decisions to make. With the 2018 MLB trade deadline just a few days away, the teams can choose to be either buyers or sellers before July 31.

That’s not exactly something that was supposed to happen when the season began. Washington began the year with arguably the National League’s best team on paper. St. Louis was viewed as a fringe playoff team, but they always seem to be in the mix, having finished with a winning record in each season during the last decade.

Both the Nationals and Cardinals are in the midst of disappointing seasons. Washington (50-51) sits in third place in the NL East and seven games behind the first-place Philadelphia Phillies. St. Louis (51-51) occupies fourth place in the NL Central, trailing the Chicago Cubs by 8.5 games. The Nationals and Cardinals are seven games in the loss column out of the second NL Wild-Card spot.

After St. Louis fired manager Mike Matheny just ahead of the All-Star break, it was reported that the Cardinals might consider trading some veterans if they started the second half poorly. The team has since lost five of eight games, all against the Cubs, falling even further out of the playoff race.

Washington has already begun gauging the market on some of their players, at least preparing to become sellers over the next few days. The Nationals have a chance to string some wins together with a four-game series against the Miami Marlins on the schedule.

Cardinals have never been mentioned as a seller but if they start second half poorly (and they open with 5 at wrigley) they could become one. They have mostly underpaid kids and overpaid vets but 1 trade candidate could be Bud Norris, who’s gotten some pub lately.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 15, 2018

The Nationals told teams early this month to keep an eye on them in case they took a downward turn, and that they might become sellers if necessary.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 26, 2018

Sources: The Washington Nationals have started discussions with teams to gauge interest if they decide to sell. Of particular interest are Kelvin Herrera, Shawn Kelley and Ryan Madson, three free-agent-to-be relievers. Nats are telling teams they’ll know by end of weekend.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 26, 2018

Becoming “sellers” doesn’t necessarily mean the Nationals will trade away their star players. General manager Mike Rizzo indicated to The New York Post’s Joel Sherman that the team won’t trade free-agent-to-be Bryce Harper unless something unforeseen happens. There’s no indication that perennial Cy Young candidate Max Scherzer will be available, either.

There’s at least been some trade buzz regarding Cardinals’ pitcher Carlos Martinez. The New York Yankees were thought to be a potential landing spot for the right-hander, though that could be out of the question now that the Bronx Bombers have added J.A. Happ.

Bud Norris would be a logical target for contenders looking to improve their bullpen. The veteran has a 3.29 ERA in 41 innings and is set to become a free agent after the season.

Major league baseball