Cardinals could send $260 million All-Star to Yankees in possible blockbuster

The St. Louis Cardinals are performing surprisingly well this season. They have won 10 of their last 11 games after starting the year 14-19.

Now, they are 24-20 and just one game out of a playoff spot.

Back in the offseason, St. Louis was attempting to trade third baseman Nolan Arenado. However, the only team that showed interest was the Boston Red Sox, and they ended up signing Alex Bregman.

Garrett Kerman of Clutch Points proposed the idea of St. Louis sending Arenado to the New York Yankees at the trade deadline if they decide to sell.

"For St. Louis, moving Arenado is about more than just shedding payroll. The Cardinals are in a transitional phase, balancing the desire to remain competitive with the need to infuse young talent into their roster," Kerman writes.

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The Cardinals were not expected to be a contender this season, though they have outperformed expectations thus far.

They need to restock their farm system with prospects, and the best way to do that is to sell at the trade deadline.

By moving Arenado, the Cardinals would open up a spot on the 26-man roster for prospect Thomas Saggese, who has performed well in the minors and at the Major League level. 

It also allows them to give more runway to players such as Nolan Gorman.

Ultimately, it depends on where the Cardinals are at the trade deadline. If they are in the race, then they'll likely hold onto Arenado, but if not, he could be a piece that is sold off.

More MLB: Yankees-Cardinals trade idea sends Nolan Arenado to New York in 3-for-1 swap