ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals came out of the non-waiver Trade Deadline as a club seemingly straddling a line between next year and now.
The organization never considered tearing things down, not even as it risks missing the postseason for a third consecutive season. But the Cardinals also did not load up on Major League-ready help like many clubs currently pursuing postseason berths.
Instead, they turned things over, in large part, to the next wave of young talent.
"Look, we could have done it many different ways," president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said.