Cardinals Trade: The Cleveland Guardians continue to serve as one of the clearest examples of how a small-market franchise can thrive in Major League Baseball without relying on a massive payroll. Despite operating in one of the league’s smallest markets and consistently ranking near the bottom in overall spending, the Guardians have found ways to remain competitive year after year. Their success challenges the long-standing assumption that only big-market teams with enormous financial resources can contend for championships. Instead, Cleveland has leaned on smart roster construction, player development, and timely investments in elite talent.
That philosophy was reinforced on Thursday when the Guardians announced a landmark contract extension for their franchise cornerstone, superstar infielder José Ramírez. The seven-year, $175 million deal ensures that Ramírez will remain in Cleveland for most, if not all, of the remainder of his career. It was a bold move for a franchise not typically associated with massive long-term contracts, but it was also a logical one. Ramírez has been one of the most consistent and productive players in baseball over the past decade, and locking him up provides stability and leadership for the organization moving forward.
Cleveland’s willingness to commit significant money to its best player sends a powerful message across the league—especially to other teams that operate with similar or greater financial resources. One such team is the St. Louis Cardinals. Unlike Cleveland, St. Louis benefits from a strong fan base, steady revenue, and a history of sustained success. If the Guardians can afford to retain a player of Ramírez’s caliber on a long-term deal, it becomes increasingly difficult for the Cardinals to justify hesitation when it comes to extending their own core players.
In fact, the Cardinals currently have several players on their roster who could—and arguably should—be considered prime candidates for long-term contract extensions in the near future. Locking up key contributors early, before their value skyrockets, is often the most cost-effective way to build a competitive roster. With that in mind, the question becomes: who might be the next Cardinals star to receive a major extension?
One of the most obvious candidates is shortstop Masyn Winn. Winn has already established himself as one of the premier defensive infielders in the game, earning a Gold Glove last season despite stiff competition from other elite shortstops across the National League. His defensive instincts, arm strength, range, and overall athleticism make him a game-changer at one of baseball’s most demanding positions.
While Winn’s glove is already elite, his offensive performance has been more inconsistent. Last season, he experienced a noticeable dip at the plate, finishing with an OPS of .673 and an OPS+ of 90, which places him below league average offensively. However, that downturn came after a much stronger campaign the year before, when Winn posted a 104 OPS+ and accumulated an impressive 4.9 WAR. Even in what could reasonably be described as a “down year” with the bat, Winn still contributed 2.2 WAR thanks largely to his defense and baserunning.
Those numbers underscore just how valuable Winn already is, even without fully tapping into his offensive potential. The Cardinals would be wise to act sooner rather than later when it comes to extending him. Once Winn makes the necessary adjustments at the plate and becomes a more consistent hitter—something that seems likely given his age and work ethic—his market value will increase dramatically. At that point, securing a long-term deal becomes far more expensive and complicated.
By offering Winn a contract extension now, the Cardinals could potentially save millions while signaling confidence in him as a foundational piece of the franchise. A long-term deal would also provide Winn with financial security, allowing him to focus entirely on development and performance rather than future contract uncertainty. From both a business and baseball standpoint, the timing makes sense.
Another compelling extension candidate is catcher Iván Herrera, who may have quietly emerged as one of the most impactful players on the Cardinals’ roster. Despite battling injuries last season, Herrera delivered an impressive performance when he was on the field. He finished the year with 19 home runs, a batting average hovering near .300, and a WAR total of 2.2—all in limited playing time. Perhaps most striking was his OPS+, which sat close to 140, indicating he was 40 percent better than the league average hitter.
Herrera’s offensive upside is significant. With a full, healthy season, he has legitimate 30-home-run potential, a rare trait for a catcher. Power-hitting catchers who can also provide competent defense are among the most valuable assets in baseball, and Herrera fits that mold. His ability to contribute at the plate while handling the physical and mental demands of catching elevates his overall value.
There has been some speculation that the Cardinals could eventually move Herrera to first base, similar to what they did with Willson Contreras. While that transition could help preserve Herrera’s health and extend his career, his versatility as a catcher makes him far more valuable than a typical corner infielder. Even if he splits time between catcher and first base, having a bat like his in the lineup regularly is a major advantage.
Given Herrera’s production and potential, the Cardinals should strongly consider offering him a long-term contract extension as soon as this offseason. A six- or seven-year deal would make sense for both sides, providing Herrera with stability while allowing the team to secure a middle-of-the-order bat at a premium position. Waiting too long could prove costly, especially if Herrera stays healthy and continues to improve.
The Guardians’ decision to invest heavily in José Ramírez serves as a reminder that successful teams must sometimes take calculated risks to retain elite talent. Small-market constraints are real, but they are not insurmountable—and they certainly should not prevent teams like the Cardinals from committing to their best players. St. Louis has the financial flexibility, fan support, and organizational stability to follow a similar path.
Extending players like Masyn Winn and Iván Herrera would not only strengthen the roster but also send a message to fans and players alike that the organization is serious about winning. In today’s MLB landscape, where long-term planning and cost control are essential, proactive extensions can make the difference between sustained success and constant roster turnover.
Ultimately, the Cardinals are at a crossroads. They can choose to learn from examples like Cleveland and secure their future by investing in their young stars, or they can risk losing them to escalating market forces. The blueprint is there. The question is whether St. Louis is willing to follow it.
