As the offseason continues to wind down, the St. Louis Cardinals still appear to be one move short of completing their roster. One of the most obvious remaining needs is a right-handed hitter who can add stability, production, and leadership to a lineup that has undergone massive change. Interestingly enough, such a player may already be familiar to Cardinals fans—and to the organization itself.
Over the last several months, St. Louis has made a clear commitment to reshaping its roster by prioritizing youth and future assets. The front office has actively traded away established veterans in exchange for prospects, signaling a shift toward long-term development rather than short-term contention. While this approach makes sense from a strategic standpoint, it has not come without significant cost.
The departures of Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado, and Brendan Donovan represent more than just the loss of on-field production. Each of those players brought All-Star-caliber talent, postseason experience, and leadership qualities that are difficult to replace overnight. Gray anchored the pitching staff, Contreras handled the pitching staff and brought edge behind the plate, Arenado was the face of the franchise and an elite defender, and Donovan provided versatility and consistency. Losing all four in one offseason dramatically alters the complexion of the team.
As things currently stand, the Cardinals are positioned to field one of the youngest rosters in the league. That reality presents both promise and concern. On the positive side, a youthful roster can accelerate development, create internal competition, and allow the organization to evaluate which players are truly part of the long-term core. Young players often bring energy, hunger, and adaptability, which can be invaluable over the course of a long season.
However, the downside is equally significant. A roster dominated by inexperienced players lacks the steadying presence of veterans who have navigated the ups and downs of a major league season. Baseball is a sport of adjustments, failure, and resilience, and young players benefit enormously from teammates who have already lived through those challenges. Without that guidance, development can stall or become inconsistent.
This is why adding at least one proven veteran before Spring Training begins should be a priority for St. Louis. Ideally, that player would bring a right-handed bat capable of contributing offensively while also serving as a mentor in the clubhouse. While much of the conversation has focused on the possibility of acquiring an outfielder, there is another intriguing option the Cardinals should seriously consider: reuniting with former MVP Paul Goldschmidt.
At first glance, the idea may sound far-fetched. Goldschmidt is one of the most respected players of his generation, and the Cardinals are clearly in a transitional phase. On paper, the pairing may not seem logical. But when examined more closely, the possibility becomes far more reasonable.
Goldschmidt spent six seasons in St. Louis and left an indelible mark on the franchise. During his time with the Cardinals, he was not only one of the team’s most productive hitters but also one of its most admired leaders. His 2022 National League MVP season remains one of the best individual performances in recent franchise history, and his professionalism set a standard throughout the clubhouse.
Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Goldschmidt became a beloved figure in the city. He embraced the community, handled media responsibilities with grace, and consistently demonstrated the work ethic and humility that Cardinals fans value so deeply. Few players fit the organizational culture as seamlessly as Goldschmidt did during his tenure.
Of course, from Goldschmidt’s perspective, there are legitimate reasons for hesitation. At this stage of his career, he may be seeking one more opportunity to compete for a championship. The Cardinals, coming off a disappointing season and undergoing a youth movement, may not immediately project as a postseason contender. That reality could make a reunion less appealing.
However, timing matters. As Spring Training rapidly approaches—now less than a week away—the market for veteran free agents is shrinking. Contending teams often finalize their rosters early, leaving fewer openings as camps begin. If a clear championship opportunity does not materialize for Goldschmidt, returning to a familiar organization could become an attractive fallback option.
Last season demonstrated that Goldschmidt still has plenty to offer. In 146 games with the New York Yankees, he posted a solid .274 batting average with a .328 on-base percentage and a .403 slugging percentage. He hit 10 home runs, drove in 45 runs, and collected 31 doubles. While those numbers may not match his MVP peak, they clearly show that he remains a capable major league hitter who can contribute regularly.
For a Cardinals lineup in transition, that level of production would be extremely valuable. Goldschmidt would instantly become one of the most reliable offensive options on the roster, particularly against left-handed pitching. His disciplined approach at the plate and ability to handle high-pressure situations would provide balance to a lineup filled with younger, less experienced hitters.
There are also roster construction benefits to consider. Much of the offseason speculation has centered on adding another outfielder, especially with uncertainty surrounding Lars Nootbaar’s availability for Opening Day. But signing Goldschmidt could indirectly address that issue as well.
If Goldschmidt were to take over primary duties at first base, it would allow Alec Burleson greater flexibility. Burleson could spend more time developing in the outfield, where the Cardinals may need additional coverage early in the season. When Burleson isn’t playing first base, he could still get consistent at-bats in the outfield, ensuring his development continues without forcing him into an everyday role he may not yet be ready to handle.
This type of flexibility would help the Cardinals navigate injuries, rest young players, and evaluate their roster more effectively. Rather than forcing prospects into roles out of necessity, the team could deploy players in situations that best suit their growth.
Beyond positional considerations, Goldschmidt’s presence would have an immeasurable impact in the clubhouse. Over a 15-year major league career, he has experienced nearly everything the game can throw at a player—hot streaks, slumps, postseason disappointment, individual accolades, and organizational change. That perspective is invaluable, especially for a group learning how to be major leaguers.
Young hitters could benefit from watching how Goldschmidt prepares, studies pitchers, and handles adversity. Young pitchers could learn from how he approaches at-bats and adjusts over time. Even coaches would appreciate having a veteran who understands the game at such a deep level and can reinforce organizational messages organically.
Importantly, bringing back Goldschmidt would not contradict the Cardinals’ long-term vision. He would not block top prospects indefinitely, nor would he require a massive multi-year commitment. Instead, he could serve as a bridge—providing stability, leadership, and competitiveness while the next generation establishes itself.
For an organization that has lost several of its most respected veterans in one offseason, that kind of bridge could make all the difference. It would help prevent the clubhouse from feeling rudderless and give young players a model of what sustained excellence looks like at the major league level.
While a reunion is far from guaranteed, the Cardinals would be wise to at least explore the possibility. Checking in on Goldschmidt’s interest costs nothing, and the potential upside is substantial. If the fit makes sense for both sides, it could be a rare move that addresses immediate needs while supporting long-term goals.
As Spring Training approaches, time is of the essence. The Cardinals may not be one blockbuster signing away from contention, but adding the right veteran could shape the trajectory of the season—and the development of the roster—for years to come. In that context, bringing Paul Goldschmidt back to St. Louis may not be as crazy as it first sounds.
