Braves and Cardinals Explore Roster Changes Amid Rebuild and Trade Talks

Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has indicated that the team is exploring enhancements to their bullpen, emphasizing the importance of depth in their pitching staff as they look to maintain competitiveness.

While Anthopoulos did not rule out bringing back Marcell Ozuna, who has primarily served as the team's designated hitter, he mentioned a preference for a more flexible DH approach, potentially involving multiple players.

On the pitching front, Grant Holmes appears on track for a healthy return after recovering from a partial UCL tear, with the Braves' rotation expected to feature Chris Sale and Spencer Strider among others.

Conversely, the Cardinals are entering a rebuilding phase, with reports suggesting they are open to offers on most players, though outfielder Lars Nootbaar might stay put for now due to health concerns following surgery on both heels.

The Cardinals aim to augment their pitching staff after trading Sonny Gray, which has freed up payroll, and they are actively seeking prospects and pitchers to support their future endeavors. St. Louis's president of baseball operations has expressed intentions to explore trades, particularly for versatile players like Brendan Donovan, while also monitoring the interest in their pitching assets, including the potential for acquiring promising arms like Noah Cameron from the Royals.

As these two NL Central rivals navigate their contrasting strategies, the Braves focus on immediate improvement while the Cardinals prioritize long-term development.