Overview

• The Cardinals will keep Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray and Miles Mikolas on the roster through the trade deadline after each invoked full no-trade clauses.
• John Mozeliak has signaled a “fluid” deadline strategy and emphasized openness to offers on any player.
• The front office has adopted a buyer mentality to reinforce the roster as it pursues a wild-card spot 2½ games out.
• Relief ace Ryan Helsley has become the primary trade chip with multiple playoff contenders showing interest.
• Helsley’s strong season performance—3.18 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 34 innings—has elevated his market value.