St. Louis Cardinals: What to watch for at the GM meetings

Will there be any contract negotiations with Lance Lynn?

Early reports on Monday, by Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, indicate all players who received a qualifying offer last week have rejected such offer in light of seeking a multi-year deal through free agency. Included in those players in starting pitcher Lance Lynn. The rejected offer comes as at no surprise to the St. Louis Cardinals, but now will receive a compensatory draft pick should Lynn sign for another team.

Just as a reminder, though, just because Lynn rejected the offer from the Cardinals, doesn’t mean the team cannot negotiate a long-term deal with him. However, based on the lack of news, I think it would be safe to assume the St. Louis Cardinals will not have Lynn in the starting rotation in 2018. I think for some, like me, they would prefer the Cardinals keep Lynn, but at what cost?

I, personally, think there is only one way to view this. I think we need to be honest with ourselves, and ask if Lynn is higher priority than getting a big bat, especially if it is Giancarlo Stanton? I don’t think so and perhaps that is why the Cardinals have not really progressed in talks with Lynn.

At the same time, Lynn may see it the same way. If he isn’t going to get the deal he wants, which I predicted to be close to a 4-year/$100 million deal, then he will seek elsewhere.

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However, there is one stipulation. What happens if the talks with the Marlins break down and Stanton is dealt elsewhere?

It would make sense then for the Cardinals to consider making their play on Stanton. While this doesn’t directly have any impact on the GM meetings, Girsch and Mozeliak will be able to gauge the interest from other teams towards Lynn.

Teams like the Yankees, who need starting pitching, could make their move for Lynn early.

I think the thing to watch for is if the trade talks between Miami dissolve, how quickly do the Cardinals with plans B, C, D, etc.? Is Lance Lynn even in those extra plans as well?

If the report of Lynn wanting a four-year deal, worth $56 million is true, then I’m sure the Cardinals will jump on that. But again, I go back to what do the Cardinals value more at this point. They have prospects to fill Lynn’s void, so I don’t know how much sense it makes to bring him back if you can land Stanton.

I don’t expect to know anymore than we know now, but there won’t be any shortage of interest in Lynn this weekend.