Matching the St. Louis Cardinals With Their Most Likely MLB Trade Deadline Targets

Sitting in third place in the NL Central, the St. Louis Cardinals currently own a 50-47 record. The Cardinals are likely right on the fence between being a buyer or a seller at the MLB Trade Deadline, but as they are only 3.5 games behind the Chicago Cubs, the right addition could make all the difference for St. Louis.

After a season-ending injury to their closer Jordan Hicks, the Cardinals could look to solidify their bullpen. With that in mind, here are three relievers the Cardinals could target ahead of the July 31 MLB Trade Deadline.

1. Will Smith, LHP, San Francisco Giants

Will Smith is one of the most reliable relievers in baseball and he very well could be one of the best options available at the deadline. He has 24 saves with a 2.61 ERA in 41 1/3 innings pitched this season. There are other teams interested in his services, so the Cardinals might have to pay a hefty price, but adding Smith could bolster St. Louis' bullpen.

2. Kirby Yates, RHP, San Diego Padres

Should the San Diego Padres decide to trade Kirby Yates, St. Louis should absolutely make a bid. The 32-year-old All-Star is having the best season of his career. Yates has a MLB-high 31 saves, to go along with a 1.07 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 42 innings pitched. Like Smith, he will likely generate a ton of interest amongst contenders, so the price for Yates could be quite high.

3. Shane Greene, RHP, Detroit Tigers

The first-time All-Star is having a bounce-back season, posting a 1.03 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 35 innings pitched. Shane Greene has a powerful fastball, which could make him a solid replacement for Hicks. Additionally, he's arbitration eligible next season, so St. Louis has the option to retain Greene beyond this season if he pitches well for the Cardinals.

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