The St. Louis Cardinals are considering trading two pitchers, Dustin May and Ryne Stanek, before the August 3 trade deadline due to their expiring contracts. Both right-handers are attracting interest from playoff contenders looking to strengthen their pitching rosters. May is a 28-year-old starter with a diverse six-pitch arsenal and a career 3.99 ERA, currently earning $12.5 million on a one-year deal. Stanek is a 35-year-old veteran reliever who adds value in high-leverage bullpen roles or as a potential starter, boasting a 97 mph fastball and a 4.25 ERA this season on a $3.5 million contract, which includes a 2027 team option.

Dustin May’s background includes being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third round of the 2016 MLB draft and making his major league debut in August 2019. After 52 starts with the Dodgers and a mid-2025 trade to the Boston Red Sox, he signed with the Cardinals as a free agent in December 2025. May has made 21 starts this season with St. Louis, holding a 5-7 record and a 4.38 ERA. His pitching style features a fast four-seam fastball averaging 96.3 mph and a variety of off-speed pitches that keep hitters off balance, making him a highly sought-after asset.

Ryne Stanek, meanwhile, has a decade-plus of MLB experience with several teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, and New York Mets before joining the Cardinals. Drafted originally by the Mariners in 2010 but opting for college before being selected by the Rays in the first round in 2013, Stanek is known for his velocity and experience. In 47 relief appearances this season, he has a 2-2 record with a 4.25 ERA. His fastball averages 97.44 mph, complemented by sliders and splits that contribute to his effectiveness in late-inning roles.

Both pitchers, with contracts expiring at the season’s end, represent strong trade options for teams aiming to enhance their pitching depth as they eye postseason success. The Cardinals may leverage this situation to obtain promising prospects or players for the future while helping competing teams add valuable arms. Dustin May, in particular, stands out as a major prize given his youth and wide-ranging pitching repertoire, with Stanek providing a complementary, experienced bullpen option. The upcoming trade deadline is expected to be an active period for the Cardinals as they navigate these potential transactions.