With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the St. Louis Cardinals are facing tough decisions as their performance has faltered, culminating in a 4-10 record through June. Speculation surrounds star Nolan Arenado, whose recent slump could prompt the team to trade him for fresh prospects and a change of scenery.

Despite a .283 career batting average, Arenado's current season is disappointing, with a .244 average, just eight home runs, and a career-low OPS of .694. However, his elite defensive skills may still entice contenders. Other potential trade candidates include Ryan Helsley and Sonny Gray, as the Cardinals look to reshape their roster for the future.

On June 13, the St. Louis Cardinals face off against the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee, both teams struggling in their recent series. The Cardinals, holding a record of 36-33, are reeling from a three-game sweep at the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays. They've lost seven of their last ten games, while the Brewers, at 37-33, are coming off a disappointing 6-2 defeat to the Atlanta Braves, managing just four runs in their last three games. Starting pitchers for the matchup are Erick Fedde for the Cardinals, who has a 3-5 record and a 3.54 ERA, and Freddy Peralta for the Brewers, standing at 5-4 with a 2.69 ERA. Recent betting trends suggest a lean towards the Brewers' moneyline, with the Cardinals possibly covering the spread at +1.5. The total is set at 7.0 runs, with an expectation leaning towards the over.

The St. Louis Cardinals have surprised many this season, finding themselves six games above .500 and even securing a recent series victory over the illustrious Los Angeles Dodgers. With the trade deadline looming, speculation is rife about potential moves, particularly involving pitchers Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, and Erick Fedde, all of whom have started strong. Despite entering the season with low expectations, the Cardinals have emerged as a competitive force within the NL Central, led by Gray's impressive 7-1 record and 3.35 ERA, as well as strong performances from the bullpen.

Manager Oliver Marmol has effectively navigated early concerns about the team's bullpen, demonstrating their capability to compete at a high level. Gray's standout performance in the shutout against the Dodgers, showcasing his ability to deliver when it matters, underscores the team's potential. As the trade deadline approaches, the question remains: can the Cardinals maintain their momentum?

The St. Louis Cardinals are contemplating a strategic shift in their pitching rotation, aiming to improve performance as they face an intense schedule. MLB.com writer John Denton advocates for Steven Matz's return to a full-time starting role, citing the need for stability as the team approaches 29 games in 30 days. Matz has shown promise this season, posting a 3-1 record and a 2.16 ERA in 16 appearances, which could help alleviate the strain on veteran pitchers like Miles Mikolas and Sonny Gray.

Manager Oliver Marmol acknowledges Matz's versatility this season, where he has performed effectively both as a starter and out of the bullpen. With the Cardinals trailing the Cubs in the NL Central, integrating Matz as a consistent starter could be key to their playoff aspirations.

Erick Fedde delivered a career-defining performance, pitching a complete game shutout against his former team, the Washington Nationals, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a 10-0 victory. This matchup marked a significant milestone in Fedde's journey, especially after his release from the Nationals in 2022. Since then, he has transformed into a reliable starter after a successful stint in South Korea.

During his time with the Chicago White Sox, he posted an impressive 3.11 ERA over 21 starts, despite the team's struggles. The White Sox's abysmal performance continued into the 2025 season, revealing the challenges Fedde faced amid his growth. His current success in St. Louis suggests that he has not only found his form but also a new identity on the mound.