Give me the riddle, Batman. Now that the St. Louis Cardinals have made millions of dollars by making major veteran trades this offseason, what can they do to prove to fans that they’re committed to winning? Will you sign a major free agent or negotiate a major extension with one of your core young players?
Let me start by saying that I don’t think the St. Louis Cardinals need to take any other immediate action. I have great appreciation for what President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom and his team have accomplished so far. He preaches patience, which I think is necessary. However, by trading Sonny Gray, Wilson Contreras and now Nolan Arenado, the St. Louis Cardinals will save $53 million in guaranteed salary. My understanding is that the Cardinals have no guaranteed money right now that extends beyond the 2026 season. What Chaim and his team have accomplished in such a short period of time is remarkable, and I suspect they’re not done yet. I do wonder, though, how the more casual fans feel about the team’s current state.
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Let’s fast forward past possible Donovan and/or Romero trades and see what the St. Louis Cardinals might do next to not only improve the team but also show fans that the Cardinals are indeed focused on winning early. I see at least two good options that don’t necessarily need to happen before spring training starts or even this year. Signing a major free agent or negotiating an extension could do it.
Taking a look at what we think is the current and near future St. Louis Cardinals roster, who would you expand if you could? Masyn Winn is an obvious choice and few would argue. I can also attest that even JJ Wetherholt may be one of the few players to get a long-term MLB contract before swinging a bat in the big show. The Milwaukee Brewers’ move with Jackson Jolio is a great example of how the St. Louis Cardinals are investing in their future star early in the game. As for Winn, I’ve seen some estimates that his eight-year contract is worth about $100 million. I think the St. Louis Cardinals locking up one of these players (or better yet, both) would be encouraging for fans looking for a star they can count on for the next five years or more.
Let’s look at the most obvious free agent options. As of this writing, free agent Bo Bichette has yet to sign a contract. While I’ve heard the Philadelphia Phillies or any other major market team may have an inside job signing Beau, that hasn’t happened yet. What if the St. Louis Cardinals decide to make Beau their star of the future? No, I don’t believe he does, but let’s assume he does. He will be the more expensive and luxury option as I’ve seen estimates that Bo will get a $186 to $208 million contract over 5 to 8 years. The infield of Bo Bichette at second, Masyn Winn at shortstop and JJ Wetherholt at third will be an exciting core.
Chaim Bloom has been very clear that he won’t do anything to derail the St. Louis Cardinals’ rebuilding of their young player pool, but he also said he won’t rule anything out if the right opportunity presents itself. What would you most like to see? Will one of the Cardinals’ young players be locked up on a long-term deal or be an exciting free agent? While I’m not sure we’ll see the latter until at least next offseason, I think a trade for Winn or Weatherholt would be a solid step that won’t derail the ongoing rebuild.
