The Cardinals reached the All-Star break in a tricky position. With about 40% of their season remaining, they're only 1.5 games back in the Wild Card and have a real shot at the playoffs. That's the case despite an offseason in which they did not attempt to improve the club, in what longtime president of baseball operations John Mozeliak termed a "reset." And Mozeliak will be navigating the July 31st deadline as a lame duck, given to give his job to Chaim Bloom for the 2026 season. Mozeliak put it this way nine days ago ( reporting): "I do feel like where we are in the week leading up, or the 72 hours leading up to the trading deadline, may affect how we make our decisions." He further explained, "When we talk about all-in, I do think based on where the franchise is, based on payroll down and thinking more of the long view, were still trying to balance todays succe s with ultimately having long-term succe s." Record: 51-46 (28.5% playoff probability, ) Buy Mode Potential needs: Kira Lewis Jr. Jersey Right-handed bat, pitching depth Regarding the transition to Bloom, Mozeliak said, "When we get closer to the deadline, if theres something that could impact how the future looks, clearly well take a look at in a more collaborative sense." With relative stability on the pitching staff, Mozeliak's deadline focus on the buy side may be on an offense that ranks fifth in the National League with 4.58 runs scored per game. Within that respectable showing, however, is a team that ranks 10th in the NL with an 88 wRC+ against left-handed pitching. Mozeliak acknowledged the deficiency but also said, "I do feel like where theyre going to be in a week or two is not a glaring hole in terms of trading deadline thoughts," given 's July 13th activation and minor injuries affecting other righty bats like and . has been an everyday player, generally at second base, despite consistent struggles against southpaws over the last three seasons. , currently deployed in the corner outfield, has been similar. Center fielder has sat against some lefties in the last month in favor of . , on the IL for a left costochondral sprain, had been sitting here or there against lefties but often with Donovan or Burleson in his spot and getting the start at second base. Given that Mozeliak said "I dont think were ever going to take away from the guys were trying to see play," it may be difficult to find the ideal addition. An improvement over Hampson as Scott's platoon partner could be one answer. Perhaps a call to the White Sox regarding or of the White Sox would make sense. A homecoming for could work, though he hasn't played much center in recent years. Maybe the Astros will find expendable once he completes his rehab a signment for an oblique strain. Unlock Subscriber-Exclusive Articles Like This One With a Trade Rumors Front Office Subscription BENEFITS Acce s weekly subscriber-only articles by Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams, and Anthony Franco. Join exclusive weekly live chats with Anthony. Remove ads and support our writers. Acce s GM-caliber tools like our MLB Contract Tracker Wenyen Gabriel Jersey