The Winter Meetings generated a lot of buzz this year, but while the St. Louis Cardinals kept a low profile, the news surrounding the team continues. Yesterday, I discussed the highs and lows of the Winter Meetings for the Cardinals, which you can check out here. Today, I want to quickly touch on some updates you may have missed about the team. But first, there’s a growing narrative I want to address.
With major free-agent contracts for players like Juan Soto, Blake Snell, and Max Fried, and trade demands for stars like Garrett Crochet or Kyle Tucker, many analysts have pointed out that the Cardinals will likely need to develop their next star rather than shell out for expensive talent. I largely agree with this, but I want to offer a few nuances.
Given the current state of the organization, the Cardinals aren’t in a position to overspend on free agents or sacrifice their farm system for a star player. In their own words, the team needs a “reset” in player development, the farm system, and payroll to position themselves for future opportunities. There will come a time when the Cardinals will have to be open to pursuing top free agents, but that day is not imminent.
The Cardinals will never operate on the same payroll level as the Mets, Yankees, or Dodgers, and that’s fine. Many teams have proven that success is possible without such massive budgets. However, executing this requires a well-run organization, and Chaim Bloom’s role is key in building that. If the Cardinals ever find themselves operating with a payroll akin to that of the Rays or Guardians, it would be a significant misstep. But if they can combine what makes those teams successful with a solid payroll, they’ll be able to make impactful additions to support their growing young talent.
Finally, can we stop expecting the Cardinals to develop their “next Albert Pujols”? A player of that caliber is once-in-a-generation. Yes, the Cardinals need to cultivate more stars, but no one will be another Pujols.
Cardinals News: Rule 5 results, Ryan Helsley trade rumors update
The Cardinals did not make any selections in the MLB portion of this year’s Rule 5 draft, but they did lose LHP Connor Thomas to the Milwaukee Brewers. Thomas will aim to stay on the Brewers’ big league roster or be returned to the Cardinals.
In the minor league portion of the draft, the Cardinals picked up LHP Oddanier Mosqueda, RHP Angel Gonzalez, RHP Jawilme Ramirez, and OF Miguel Ugeto. They lost RHP Henry Gomez, RHP Trent Baker, C Aaron McKeithan, RHP Brandon Komar, SS/OF Lizandro Espinoza, and RHP Augusto Calderon.
Additionally, Brewers closer Devin Williams was traded to the New York Yankees today in exchange for LHP Nestor Cortes and INF Caleb Durbin. Williams was one of the top closers available on the trade market this offseason, making this trade significant for those curious about what the Cardinals could get for RHP Ryan Helsley.
Despite the trade speculation, reports indicate the Cardinals are not looking to move Helsley this offseason. President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak values Helsley’s presence on the roster for next season and may be considering holding onto him until the trade deadline, when his value could be higher.
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