Report: Cardinals expected to trade Flaherty, Montgomery

The St. Louis Cardinals have not discussed extensions with starters Jack Flaherty or Jordan Montgomery since spring training and are expected to trade the pair before the Aug. 1 deadline, reports the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

The Cardinals are in the midst of their worst campaign since 2007, with both pitchers set for free agency at season's end.

Flaherty hasn't looked like the same elite pitcher from 2019, but the right-hander has managed to post an 8.7 K/9 in 109 2/3 innings and does a good job of limiting homers, ranking 10th in the majors in HR/9.

The 27-year-old is also an affordable option for teams looking for pitching depth, as he is only owed the remainder of his $5.4-million salary for the season.

Meanwhile, Montgomery has been terrific for the Cardinals since they acquired him at last year's deadline from the New York Yankees. The 30-year-old owns a 3.37 ERA in 115 innings after posting a 3.11 ERA in 63 2/3 frames for St. Louis last season.

The southpaw is making $10 million this season.

The Cardinals could also deal closer Jordan Hicks if the two sides don't reach an agreement on an extension, but they reportedly have no plans of trading struggling outfielder Tyler O'Neill.