How Cardinals might become buyers at MLB trade deadline in rebuilding year

Feb 27, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) looks on from the dugout before the game against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the more surprising teams in all of Major League Baseball in 2026. Not only are they sporting a winning record, but they're 21-14 and just two games back of the NL Central lead.

It's been a great year for the Cardinals thus far, with the standouts being JJ Wetherholt and Jordan Walker, as the young duo looks to be the centerpieces of the Cardinals for a long time.

With how great the seasons gone, as The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal notes, there's a chance that the Cardinals are buyers at the trade deadline in the middle of a rebuilding year. Such a fascinating outcome that has a real chance of happening this year.

Cardinals have real chance to be buyers at trade deadline

"But, if at the deadline the Cardinals are within range of a playoff spot, they likely will adjust their rebuilding plan without abandoning it," Rosenthal writes.

This is a fascinating scenario for the Cardinals, but how would Chaim Bloom be able to act as a buyer while still rebuilding the team?

One of the ways the Cardinals could buy at the deadline while still planning for the future would be to acquire players who are under club control beyond the 2026 season.

While some other teams in win-now modes might be able to add a player who will be a free agent after 2026, the Cardinals should explore additions that will be around through at least 2027.

MORE: 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals

St. Louis is having success this season, but they also know they need to plan for more than just 2026. The pitching staff is the clear weakness on this team, and adding a long-term starter there would make a lot of sense.

Bloom could target a young pitcher who is on the trade block, moving prospects and assets around to help the team in 2026, while still preparing for the future.

This is a unique spot to be in as a franchise, but if done right, the Cardinals can compete this season for a postseason spot while still building for the future by acting as buyers at the trade deadline.

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