10 players who could replace Paul Goldschmidt at first for the Cardinals

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

These next few players would all be trade candidates for the Cardinals to find at first base. I've opted to start with the least likely candidate to be traded to the Cardinals. There are a few reasons why Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is probably not going to be a Cardinal next year.

First, the Toronto Blue Jays are rumored to be interested in working out a long-term extension with their All-Star. Second, Guerrero would cost a lot of prospect capital, something the Cardinals are intent on holding onto. Finally, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could hit $30 million in arbitration next year. If it's possible St. Louis trades Ryan Helsley with his paltry $6.9 million projected salary, don't even think they'll take on $30 million in arbitration.

Wouldn't it be so nice to have one of the best offensive first baseman in the game once again, though? Guerrero has a career .288/.363/.500 slash line to go laong with 160 home runs since his debut in 2019. He's been a consistent offensive force from the right side.

Guerrero is a supremely bad defender at first base. He's been worth -31 outs above average since becoming a full-time first baseman in 2020. He's also seen some time at third base, but Guerrero isn't a viable candidate to play the hot corner anymore.

It's quite unlikely the Cardinals trade for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The Blue Jays have expressed interest in extending their first baseman beyond arbitration, and the prospect capital it would take to land him would be beyond John Mozeliak's puke point. He would be a game-changing force for the Cardinals, but it may not be worth the cost.