Why Cardinals could go 'either way' at MLB trade deadline

The St. Louis Cardinals have been an incredibly fun story thus far. 

Almost no one thought they could get off to such a hot start. At 27-19, they are right in the mix for first place in the NL Central. 

But there's no guarantee the Cardinals can keep this pace. The Major League Baseball season is long, and this game has its ebbs and flows. 

That's why The Athletic's Jim Bowden believes it's too early to tell if the Cardinals will be buyers or sellers at this year's trade deadline. 

"Wait and see. I still don’t think they have the starting pitching to contend the entire season, but the team is definitely taking a big step forward," wrote Bowden. "They could go either way at the trade deadline based on the standings." 

Regardless of the season's outcome, fans in St. Louis have things to be excited about.

JJ Wetherholt should be a staple in the lineup for years to come, and Michael McGreevy has emerged as a mid-tier arm with frontline starter potential. 

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"The team is playing with positive energy and enthusiasm, which is a direct reflection of their manager, Oli Marmol, who is doing an excellent job developing this young team," added Bowden. 

Even if the Cardinals decide to sell, they'll be a team to watch that can play spoiler as the postseason nears. 

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