Once expected to be MLB trade deadline sellers, St. Louis currently holds the second National League Wild Card spot. As the Cardinals prepare for a second-half surge and a possible playoff run, there are some areas in need of improvement.

Like most teams, the Cardinals could use some additional power and another starting pitcher. But with St. Louis unlikely to chase the biggest names on the market and enter a bidding war with big market teams, it’s important to find value.

Now that the postseason is within reach, the Cardinals can seek out cost-effective deals that won’t empty the farm system. With that in mind, here are three sneaky trade deadline targets that the Cardinals should consider.

The Nationals landed Winker on the cheap after an injury-ravaged 2023 with the Milwaukee Brewers. He managed just one home run and 23 RBI with an OPS+ of 58 in 61 games last year.

The poor production allowed the Nationals to sign Winker to a one-year, $2 million deal in the offseason. So far this year Winker has avoided injury and rebounded nicely at the plate. In 94 games, he has 18 doubles, 11 homers, 43 RBI, an OPS+ of 133 and 2.1 WAR.