Top 3 Trade Destinations for Paul Goldschmidt

The St. Louis Cardinals are currently planning on being buyers at the deadline, trying to get themselves back into their usual position of being a postseason team. As of now, they find themselves in last place in the NL Central, but only one game back of a Wild Card spot in the tightly contested 'murky middle' in the National League.

It wouldn't take much, however, for things to go awry and the Cards to drop out of the race, or to otherwise feel they're not a legitimate contender. In that case, former MVP Paul Goldschmidt could be on the block, as he is on an expiring contract and will be a free agent after the season.

The following three teams would be top of the list of suitors for Goldschmidt at the trade deadline:

Houston Astros

First base has been a disaster for them this season, as veteran Jose Abreu has fallen off a cliff, has spent time in the minors and is hitting a meager .127 (!!) with an equally untenable OPS+ of 7. Yes, seven. That's 93% worse than the average major league hitter. The Astros, however, are even worse off than the Cardinals right now, at seven games under .500 and 5.5 games out of a Wild Card berth.

Seattle Mariners

The M's have been tied to a number of big-name first basemen this season, from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to Pete Alonso. Now, include Goldschmidt in that equation as well. Seattle needs a huge boost for the offense, to get their superb pitching some more help. They have a comfortable 6.5 game lead atop the AL West, but with the Texas Rangers and the Astros lurking behind, the M's aren't taking anything for granted.

New York Yankees

What discussion of a big-name trade candidate would be complete without mentioning the Yankees? And of course, first base is in particular of prime concern for them right now, as Anthony Rizzo is hitting .144 in the last four weeks with zero homers and a .346 OPS.