3 Most Likely Trade Targets for St. Louis Cardinals Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline

The St. Louis Cardinals have taken a big step back from where they started the season, falling from first to ninth in the National League. They currently own a 32-32 record, but should still be buyers as the July 31 MLB Trade Deadline approaches.

With that in mind, here are three pitchers the team should go after.

3. Madison Bumgarner, SP, San Francisco Giants

One of the most prized gems available on the trade market is Madison Bumgarner. The Giants currently sit in last place in the NL West, so they will most likely be sellers at the deadline. There really isn't much of a point in them keeping Bumgarner, especially with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. It may take a lot to land him, but it he could be the perfect pitching addition. The lefty has 84 strikeouts and a 3.84 ERA in 87 innings pitched this season.

2. Jacob deGrom, SP, New York Mets

The Mets have a similar record to the Cardinals (32-33), but sit behind both the Phillies and Braves in the NL East. The 30-year-old has 94 strikeouts with a 3.45 ERA in 75 2/3 innings pitched this season. After Yoenis Cespedes suffered a season-ending injury, the Mets could be looking for a replacement, so this could quickly become a mutually beneficial trade scenario.

1. Marcus Stroman

The third veteran pitcher the Cardinals may look at is Marcus Stroman, who has 63 strikeouts and a 3.31 ERA in 81 2/3 innings pitched. The Blue Jays currently sit at 23-42 and should be looking to sell at the deadline. And with Stroman already expressing his irritation about losing so often, it would make sense for them to find a new home for the 28-year-old. With Stroman having a $6.3 million salary this season and being a free agent next year, there will be plenty of interest in him around the deadline.

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