After a 5-3 win vs. the Braves featuring José Fermín's first HR, the Cardinals rest on 7/17/25. At 51-46, what moves will they make before the trade deadline?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Thursday, July 17th, was a day of silence for the St. Louis Cardinals. No game, no trades, no major announcements. After a grueling first half that saw them enter the All-Star break with a 51-46 record, the quiet is a welcome respite. But for a team sitting 6.5 games out of first place, this calm feels temporary—the deep breath before the plunge into a make-or-break second half.
51-46 record, 6.5 games behind, and 14 days until the trade deadline. The clock is ticking.
The Cardinals went into the break on a high note, securing a 5-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves back on July 13th. The game was a perfect snapshot of potential, highlighted by José Fermín launching his first career major league home run. It was a feel-good moment that left a positive taste, but the reality remains: the team has been inconsistent. This All-Star break isn't just a vacation; it's a strategic reset button for a roster that needs to find another gear.
While the transaction wire remained untouched for the Cardinals today, don't mistake silence for inaction. Behind the scenes, the front office is undoubtedly working the phones. With the trade deadline just two weeks away, the biggest questions loom over the pitching staff. Will they add a top-of-the-rotation arm? Will they bolster the bullpen? The farm system, with its promising prospects, holds the key. Today's lack of news only means the organization is holding its cards close, evaluating every possibility before making a move that could define their season.
So what's next? The team will reassemble shortly to begin a pivotal stretch of the season. The schedule won't be easy, and closing a 6.5-game gap requires immediate and sustained success. Every series now carries playoff weight. Fans should be watching not just the box scores, but also the roster moves. The team that takes the field to start the second half might look slightly different than the one that left it.
Enjoy the quiet while it lasts. Today was a day for rest and reflection, but the storm is coming. The Cardinals' 2025 fate will be decided in the games played and the moves made between now and the end of July. The second half is officially on deck.
