The St. Louis Cardinals entered the final stretch before the MLB trade deadline expecting several changes to their roster. With the club sitting just outside the National League playoff picture as it continues its rebuild around young players, the organization appears focused on turning veteran pieces on expiring contracts into valuable assets for the future.
That situation has created an uncertain mood around the clubhouse. While the Cardinals have enjoyed encouraging performances from several players this season, teammates know that some familiar faces could soon be traded to contenders. One player who appears particularly close to an exit is veteran pitcher Dustin May.
Cardinals All-Star catcher Ivan Herrera recently acknowledged the possibility of May being traded, offering a heartfelt message about his teammate.
“He’s an amazing teammate, we love him over here and we are going to wish him the best if he gets traded,” Herrera said, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Amber Winkler.
Herrera’s comments came after the Cardinals appeared to take precautions with May’s workload during what could have been his final start for the organization.
According to Winkler, St. Louis had already planned to manage May’s innings before the game because of the possibility that he would be dealt before the deadline. The Cardinals intended to remove him during the middle innings regardless of how effective he was, although his strong performance allowed him to remain on the mound through the fifth.
That approach highlights the difficult position the Cardinals find themselves in. As a team attempting to remain competitive while also building for the future, St. Louis must balance winning games with protecting the value of players who could be moved.
May’s performance gave potential trade suitors another opportunity to see what he could offer without the Cardinals pushing him beyond their preferred workload. St. Louis ultimately secured the victory, allowing the club to accomplish its immediate objective while continuing to prepare for a potential trade.
Dustin May Emerging as a Clear Trade Candidate
May has been viewed for some time as one of the Cardinals’ most likely players to be dealt before the deadline.
MLB Trade Rumors previously identified the right-hander as a straightforward trade candidate after St. Louis signed him to a one-year contract during the offseason. The deal guaranteed May $12.5 million, consisting of a $12 million salary and a $500,000 buyout attached to a mutual option.
The Cardinals’ apparent plan was to give May an opportunity to contribute innings, rebuild his value and potentially turn his performance into prospects at the trade deadline.
That plan now appears to be nearing its final stage.
With the deadline approaching, St. Louis has a chance to transform May’s productive stretch into future talent while allowing a playoff contender to acquire an experienced starting pitcher for the remainder of the season.
If Herrera’s comments ultimately prove to be a farewell, May may have already made his final appearance in a Cardinals uniform. Regardless of what happens next, however, his departure would clearly be felt inside the clubhouse.
Herrera’s message made that much clear: even if May is headed elsewhere, he will leave St. Louis with the respect and appreciation of his teammates.
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