The St. Louis Cardinals have already reshaped their roster in dramatic fashion this offseason, but there’s a growing sense around the league that their work may not be finished. In fact, after executing four significant trades and signaling a clear willingness to retool, St. Louis still appears positioned to make at least one more notable move before settling into the new season.
If there were any doubts about the Cardinals’ direction this winter, their early activity erased them quickly. While several clubs made splashy additions in pursuit of contention, St. Louis took a different path. They became arguably the most aggressive seller in baseball, leaning into a strategy focused on restructuring the roster, reallocating payroll, and building for sustained competitiveness rather than immediate results.
The offseason began with a bold decision: moving two established veterans in Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras. Both players were shipped to the Boston Red Sox in a deal that sent a strong message. Rather than attempting to patch holes around the margins, the Cardinals chose to move core contributors in exchange for long-term assets. In return, St. Louis secured an impressive package of prospects, including Hunter Dobbins, Richard Fitts, and Brandon Clarke. The haul represented a meaningful infusion of young talent into the organization’s pipeline, underscoring the team’s commitment to reshaping its future.
But the Cardinals didn’t stop there.
In another headline-grabbing move, Nolan Arenado was dealt in what many around the league viewed primarily as a salary-clearing transaction. While Arenado’s defensive brilliance and offensive track record remain respected, the financial flexibility gained by moving his contract appeared to outweigh the immediate on-field value for St. Louis. The trade reinforced the notion that the organization is recalibrating its priorities, even if that means parting ways with star power.
Shortly after, the Cardinals completed another major deal, this time sending Brendan Donovan to the Seattle Mariners in a blockbuster transaction. Donovan’s versatility and consistency made him an appealing asset, and moving him further demonstrated that no player was untouchable if the return aligned with the club’s long-term vision.
By this point, the Cardinals had firmly established themselves as one of the offseason’s central storylines. Four significant trades had reshaped both their roster and payroll structure. Yet, despite the flurry of activity, many observers believe the team still has unfinished business.
One name increasingly mentioned as the next potential domino is left-handed reliever JoJo Romero.
There’s a growing sentiment that Romero could be the next piece to move, and some analysts have already begun connecting dots between St. Louis and teams in need of bullpen reinforcements. Among the clubs identified as a possible fit is the Arizona Diamondbacks, who have their own pitching concerns to address.
Arizona has made moves to stabilize its starting rotation. The Diamondbacks did well to retain Merrill Kelly and showed patience in navigating Zac Gallen’s market, ultimately strengthening their starting staff as a result. However, while the rotation may look improved on paper, the bullpen remains a glaring question mark.
The Diamondbacks’ relief corps struggled significantly last season, finishing with a 4.82 ERA in 2025. That number highlights an area that requires meaningful upgrades if Arizona hopes to compete at a high level. Despite the team’s efforts elsewhere, the bullpen has not undergone a clear transformation. For a club with postseason aspirations, that vulnerability cannot be ignored.
One specific need stands out: another reliable left-handed reliever.
Currently, Arizona lacks depth from the left side beyond Brandyn Garcia. Adding a second southpaw capable of handling high-leverage situations would provide balance and flexibility in late-game scenarios. This is where Romero enters the picture.
Romero doesn’t profile as a flamethrower. He isn’t the type of reliever who overwhelms hitters with triple-digit velocity. Instead, his value lies in a more traditional left-handed reliever archetype. He excels at generating ground balls, keeping hard contact to a minimum, and navigating tough matchups through pitch location and movement rather than sheer speed. For a bullpen seeking stability rather than flash, those traits carry real importance.
From Arizona’s perspective, Romero represents one of the more attainable and sensible options on the market. There may not be many better fits available, especially considering the current trade landscape. Acquiring a left-handed arm who can step directly into a meaningful role would address a pressing weakness while avoiding the cost of pursuing a premium, high-profile reliever.
Additionally, the timing could make sense for the Diamondbacks. With Corbin Burnes working his way back, strengthening the bullpen could serve as a bridge strategy—bolstering run prevention while waiting for the rotation to reach full strength. A deeper bullpen can help absorb shorter outings from starters and protect leads more effectively.
On the Cardinals’ side, the logic for trading Romero is equally compelling.
Romero’s contract situation suggests he may not be part of the organization’s long-term plans. If he is unlikely to be re-signed or extended, St. Louis faces a familiar decision: maximize value now or risk diminishing returns later. Given their aggressive selling posture throughout the offseason, it would be consistent for the front office to explore offers sooner rather than later.
In fact, some find it surprising that Romero has not already been moved. Considering the club’s willingness to trade established veterans and even cornerstone players, holding onto a reliever on an expiring contract appears somewhat out of step with their broader strategy.
There is, however, a potential explanation. The Cardinals could be waiting for midseason, when contending teams often grow more desperate for bullpen help. Relievers frequently command higher returns at the trade deadline, particularly if they are performing well and the market tightens. St. Louis employed a similar approach last year when they waited before moving Ryan Helsley, capitalizing on peak demand.
Still, waiting carries risk. Performance can fluctuate, injuries can occur, and market dynamics can shift unexpectedly. If Romero’s value declines or if other left-handed relievers emerge as more attractive options, the Cardinals could miss an opportunity to secure meaningful assets in return.
From a roster-construction standpoint, retaining Romero may not align with the team’s current trajectory. The Cardinals appear to be prioritizing youth, flexibility, and long-term growth. Moving veterans for prospects or controllable talent fits neatly into that blueprint. Keeping a reliever whose future with the club is uncertain seems inconsistent with the rest of their offseason decisions.
For Arizona, the potential acquisition would signal a commitment to tightening up the one area that remains vulnerable. Bullpens can be notoriously volatile, but adding dependable arms increases the odds of stability. Romero’s ability to induce weak contact and manage matchups could translate effectively in high-pressure situations, particularly against left-handed hitters in late innings.
In a competitive division, marginal improvements can make the difference between a playoff berth and an early offseason. The Diamondbacks have already taken steps to fortify their rotation. Addressing the bullpen would complete a more balanced pitching staff and give the team greater confidence entering tight games.
Ultimately, the Cardinals’ offseason story may not yet have reached its conclusion. Four major trades have already redefined the franchise’s direction, but another move could be on the horizon. JoJo Romero stands out as a logical candidate, both because of his contract situation and because of the demand for left-handed relief pitching across the league.
For St. Louis, moving him sooner rather than later could ensure they extract maximum value as they continue reshaping the organization. For Arizona, acquiring him could help transform a shaky bullpen into a more dependable unit.
The Cardinals have demonstrated they are willing to make bold decisions. If the pattern holds, Romero may indeed be the next name added to the list of offseason departures. Whether that move happens before Opening Day or closer to the trade deadline remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: St. Louis has embraced change, and they may not be finished yet.
