Why John Mozeliak, Cardinals are prepared to wait out the clock before trade deadline

New York Times

a day ago

CHICAGO — As he enters his final trade deadline with the St. Louis Cardinals, president of baseball operations John Mozeliak knows better than to speak in absolutes.
This year, especially. As the Cardinals hover in and out of contention in a tight National League, the call on whether to buy, sell or hold ahead of MLB's trade deadline — scheduled for 5 p.m. CT on July 31 — could go down to the wire.
Advertisement
'As we get closer to the 31st, that's really where we'll be trying to decide,' Mozeliak said. 'I do feel like where we are in the week leading up, or the 72 hours leading up to the trading deadline, may affect how we make our decisions.'
If the Cardinals spiral in July, that thinking could change. Saturday's win over the Chicago Cubs — fueled by a go-ahead pinch-hit three-run homer by Yohel Pozo — helped right the ship after the team's recent skid. However, one area that will remain a focus, regardless of the team's direction, is Michael McGreevy's future.
St. Louis wants McGreevy, who has made four appearances (three starts) for St. Louis this year, in its rotation full-time. He has spent the majority of the first half in Triple A, serving as a depth piece and spot-starting when needed, but Mozeliak agrees that it's nearing time to see McGreevy as a regular starter. Creating a path will be tricky.
YOHEL POZO HAS LEFT THE BUILDING pic.twitter.com/kVlYW8LZEa
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 5, 2025
'Right now, we're just not confident with what's behind McGreevy to pull up,' Mozeliak said, referring to the lack of pitching depth available in Triple A. 'As we navigate the next three to four weeks, certainly there are going to be opportunities to get Michael up here at some point. Worst-case scenario for him, there is a clear path for him sometime in August.
'He's pitched really well. He's a deserving young man, and hopefully the opportunity is there.'
What else is Mozeliak weighing ahead of this year's deadline? Let's dive in.
Asked specifically if he considered adding a right-handed bat as a need, Mozeliak denied it being a definite priority but also acknowledged the team's woes against left-handers as a concern.
'We've been struggling against left-handed pitching, so that's frustrating,' Mozeliak said. 'But knowing we're going to get (Iván) Herrera back at some point, Nolan (Arenado) is a little banged up, (Willson) Contreras a little banged up. I do feel like where they're going to be in a week or two is not a glaring hole in terms of trading deadline thoughts.
Advertisement
'We have been able to create a lot of opportunity for the guys we wanted to see go play,' he added. 'We've had consistent starting pitching. We've had a lot of churn in our bullpen, but our key roles have been relatively consistent and effective. As you approach the trading deadline, usually, it's all about having to find more pitching. I think as we stand here today, it's: Are we going to have the ability to score runs consistently?'
The market for right-handed hitters is not yet established. Most markets likely won't be until MLB's annual amateur draft concludes over the All-Star break. But there is some understanding of what different organizations are looking for. Pitching is always in high demand, this year especially, given the influx of injuries.
'We have a feel for what people are going to be looking for, and this trading deadline will be no different than past ones,' Mozeliak said, speaking to the market at large. 'Pitching will still be highly desired.'
But that isn't the case for the Cardinals, who are a rarity in this regard. With pitcher injuries rampant, St. Louis has kept its starting pitching and its prominent relievers healthy. That will allow the Cardinals to focus on improving their offense, if they deem it necessary.
One thing St. Louis will remain cognizant of, if the decision is made to add, is ensuring it won't come at the expense of others who figure to be pieces of next year's team and beyond. Players such as Lars Nootbaar, Alec Burleson and Herrera (when healthy) will be priorities. Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker can also work their way back into that equation. This suggests that if the Cardinals do shop the market, it would likely be for a rental bat.
'I don't think we're ever going to take away from the guys we're trying to see play,' Mozeliak said.
Advertisement
Mozeliak will look to thread the needle here.
'When we talk about all-in, I do think based on where the franchise is, based on payroll down and thinking more of the long view, we're still trying to balance today's success with ultimately having long-term success,' he explained.
Cardinals ownership tabbed 2025 as a recession season, citing an expected drop in ticket sales and gate revenue, along with cuts from their restructured television deal with Diamond Sports (the parent company of the team's regional sports network, FanDuel Sports Network). But Mozeliak believes that shouldn't impact deadline spending.
'I think so, but I haven't really dove too deep into that conversation,' Mozeliak said. 'I do think if ownership saw we were in a spot to do something, I think they'd support it.'
St. Louis won't be a big spender, certainly not to the extent of teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres or New York Mets. With its regime changing this offseason, it's also unlikely Mozeliak will make a move that majorly impacts next year's roster. That responsibility should fall on adviser Chaim Bloom, Mozeliak's successor. He will be available for consultation at the deadline, but the final decision lies with Mozeliak.
'(The transition) hasn't really changed any of our thinking yet,' Mozeliak said. 'When we get closer to the deadline, if there's something that could impact how the future looks, clearly we'll take a look at in a more collaborative sense. But right now, it's business as usual.
'Most of the players that we would have to consider trading are the ones that would be free agents anyway,' he added.
The trade deadline is always a seller's market. Similar to last season, there aren't many teams that qualify as true sellers. Might the Cardinals take advantage of this and shop some arms?
Advertisement
When it comes to the back end of the bullpen, that doesn't seem to be the case.
Ryan Helsley, Steven Matz and Phil Maton are all on expiring deals. All have postseason experience, reliable track records and are pitching well this season — all traits contending teams tend to seek (and often are willing to overpay for). But if St. Louis is also in contention, there could be hesitancy to move any of the three.
'It would definitely be a concern,' Mozeliak said. 'Right now, I don't think we have intentions of doing that, but again, we'll see where we're at.'
If they aren't going to move a high-profile reliever, could they move a veteran starting pitcher? That would create an easy segway to bring McGreevy up permanently, and the Cardinals could likely capitalize on a return. They wouldn't trade Sonny Gray (who has a full no-trade clause anyway). Miles Mikolas also has a full no-trade clause and is highly unlikely to waive it. That leaves Erick Fedde, who is in the final year of a two-year, $15 million deal.
But Fedde has struggled of late. He owns a 6.66 ERA over his last five starts, including his two most recent outings, where he allowed seven earned runs in each game. The Cardinals need him to turn it around, not only for their season's sake but also to boost any potential trade value.
Over three weeks remain until Mozeliak must make a final call. How the Cardinals play through July will dictate just how close he cuts it.