Cardinals preparing to sell fire 2 star veterans to shed payroll
Numerous competing teams could benefit from the St. Louis Cardinals’ abundance of fascinating talent. Interestingly, it looks like their corner infielders from the previous four seasons are leaving.
The Yankees, Mariners, Giants, Nationals, and Mets are among the teams interested in free agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (via USA Today’s Bob Nightengale). The 37-year-old has shown to be a formidable batsman in a team’s lineup and is also looking for a long-term contract.
The Cardinals are ready to move on from some of their veterans
Nolan Arenado, the third baseman for the Cardinals, has also been mentioned in trade rumors. The 33-year-old, who has been among the league’s top hitters for a number of years, had a poor offensive season last season despite being one of the best defensive third basemen in the game.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Cardinals are prepared to embark on a new chapter in their history and allocate funds to some of their younger players.
In an effort to free up payroll and give their youthful core of players more playing time, the Cardinals are preparing a “reset” for 2025. The Blue Jays and D-backs have expressed interest in moving for All-Star closer Ryan Helsley, according to a source, and St. Louis has also received statements from John Mozeliak, president of baseball operations, that he intends to sell Arenado, Feinsand writes.
The Cardinals are preparing to rebuild after a few rough seasons
The Cardinals have had two mostly dismal seasons after winning the NL Central Division in 2022. They completed 2023 with a 71-91 record, and with an 83-79 record the previous season, they missed out on the playoffs.
Last season, just three of St. Louis’ regular position players were older than thirty. Goldschmidt (37),
Arenado (33), and Willson Contreras (32) were those three players. It is wise to cut some money in order to move on from their great veterans and build around their promising young players, especially considering the lack of success they have had in the last two seasons.
A significant amount of Arenado’s money will be assumed by whoever trades for the 10-time Gold Glove Award winner, who has three years and $74 million remaining on his contract. The Yankees are among the clubs in dire need of an upgrade at the hot corner, but they are already spending a lot of money on Cody Bellinger’s contract.
The Cardinals are now in the process of getting ready to enter a new rebuilding phase. Their markets will undoubtedly heat up in the upcoming weeks as a result of the overwhelming desire in their seasoned assets.