Changes the Cardinals Shouldn’t Make This Offseason

The St. Louis Cardinals are heading into a crucial offseason after a disappointing 2023 campaign. With the organization missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018, fans and analysts alike expect significant moves to address glaring weaknesses, particularly in the starting rotation. However, amid the pressure to overhaul, there are some changes the Cardinals should avoid to maintain their identity and long-term success.

1. Trading Nolan Arenado or Paul Goldschmidt

Despite the Cardinals’ struggles in 2023, trading away cornerstone players like Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt would be a mistake. Arenado and Goldschmidt are not only two of the best players on the roster but also leaders in the clubhouse. Arenado’s elite defense and consistent bat at third base provide stability, while Goldschmidt, the reigning 2022 NL MVP, remains a force in the lineup.

Moving either player would leave a significant void in the roster that would be difficult to fill. The Cardinals should instead focus on building around this duo, adding pieces to support their efforts rather than starting a full-scale rebuild. Both players have expressed their commitment to the team, making them essential to any plans for contention in 2024.

2. Overpaying in Free Agency

There’s no doubt the Cardinals need to bolster their pitching staff, but overspending in free agency could create long-term problems. The market is expected to be competitive for top-tier starters like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Blake Snell, but throwing excessive money at a single player could limit the team’s financial flexibility.

The Cardinals must exercise caution and avoid overcommitting to players who may not provide value over the life of their contracts. They should focus on finding quality arms through a combination of free agency and trades, balancing short-term improvements with sustainable team-building.

3. Abandoning Young Talent

The Cardinals have long been known for their ability to develop homegrown talent, and they shouldn’t stray from this philosophy. Prospects like Jordan Walker, Masyn Winn, and Matthew Liberatore represent the future of the organization. Moving them in a trade for a win-now piece might provide a temporary boost, but it could hurt the team’s long-term outlook.

Walker, in particular, showed flashes of his potential in 2023, and Winn is poised to take over as the team’s everyday shortstop. The Cardinals should prioritize integrating these young players into their core rather than using them as trade chips.

4. Ignoring Defensive Upgrades

One of the Cardinals’ surprising weaknesses in 2023 was their defense, which had been a hallmark of their success in previous years. The team cannot afford to overlook defensive improvements in 2024. While bolstering the pitching staff is critical, they must also ensure that their defense is up to par.

This means keeping players like Tommy Edman in positions where they can thrive defensively and ensuring that any new acquisitions fit the Cardinals’ defensive standards. Sacrificing defense for offensive upgrades could backfire, especially given how pitching and defense often go hand in hand.

5. Relying Solely on Internal Pitching Options

While avoiding overpaying in free agency is crucial, the Cardinals shouldn’t rely entirely on internal options to fix their pitching woes. The 2023 season proved that the current staff lacks the depth and consistency needed to compete.

The team should avoid the temptation to hope for a resurgence from struggling pitchers like Jack Flaherty or Steven Matz without adding proven external talent. A balanced approach that combines internal development with external acquisitions will give the Cardinals the best chance to contend in 2024.

Final Thoughts

The St. Louis Cardinals are at a crossroads this offseason. While changes are necessary to address their deficiencies, they must avoid making rash decisions that could derail their long-term plans. Building around their star players, managing their payroll wisely, and maintaining a commitment to youth development and strong defense are crucial strategies.

With the right moves — and avoiding the wrong ones — the Cardinals can bounce back as contenders in the National League and give their fans something to cheer for in 2024.