The St. Louis Cardinals are firmly in the mix for both the National League Wild Card and a competitive spot in the NL Central. However, if they aim to remain contenders as the season progresses, they must make key acquisitions before the MLB trade deadline. The team’s main needs are a reliable starting pitcher or a solid right-handed hitter. While the Cardinals play with determination, they are lacking in power. Wilson Contreras, their top right-handed hitter, leads the team with just 12 home runs.
With the Atlanta Braves in a downward spiral headed towards being sellers, it has been reported that they will make some of their players who hold trade value available.
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Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported last week that the Atlanta Braves are open to trading both Marcell Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias in the lead-up to the trade deadline. While Ozuna likely holds more value than Iglesias, who has had a rough season, he still represents a solid option. Despite a “down” year offensively, Ozuna would still lead the St. Louis Cardinals in home runs with 13 this season, making him a strong candidate for the designated hitter spot.
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, writer Zach Bachar highlighted the potential availability of both of these Braves players.
“Atlanta has struggled during its 2025 campaign, sitting at No. 4 in the National League East standings with a 42-52 record. The Braves are 12 games back from the top spot in the division. If they choose to sell at the deadline, Ozuna could experience a change of scenery. The 34-year-old has struggled to build upon a 2024 season in which he was named an All-Star and finished No. 4 in NL MVP voting. Ozuna is hitting .239 with 11 doubles, 13 home runs and 42 RBIs across 89 games in 2025.”
This trade idea would reunite Ozuna with the Cardinals, where he played for two seasons (2018-2019). In those two seasons, Ozuna hit 52 home runs and 177 RBIs.
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