St. Louis Cardinals: Looking ahead to the 2019 roster

As the St. Louis Cardinals season begins to wind down, hopefully leading toward a postseason birth, I can’t help but look at the construction of this years team vs. the potential 2019 Redbirds.

The 2018 St. Louis Cardinals is very much the “Cardinal Way” we have all become accustom to in Cardinals Nation.

By this I mean, strong pitching, and a bunch of good guys without a real star presence in the lineup, but somehow still finding a way to get it done.

I think this offseason is a good opportunity for the Cardinals to try and add some star presence to their depth – and not Bryce Harper. If some team wants to hand that guy $400 million to hit .250, I’m not interested in that, but what do I know? He’s the second best player in the 2019 free agent class.

If I’m the St. Louis Cardinals front office I would take a look (obviously) at Manny Machado. Although, I’m still not sure shelling out a bunch of cash for him is the smartest move, either. Machado is good, but I don’t believe he will ever be this good again. He hasn’t played at this level until a huge contract was on the line.

That, and take into consideration the Cardinals have two top 10 power-hitting third base prospects in Nolan Gorman and Elehuris Montero. Both, I believe to have bright futures in Major League Baseball.

So, where does that leave us?

I’d like to see the Cardinals go after Machado if he wants to come here. But don’t give away the entire payroll. The biggest thing the front office will be looking for this offseason is an everday third basemen. Just please do not make that person Josh Donaldson.

A potential trade could be in order as well. Especially since outside of Machado and Donaldson, the third base options in free agency are scarce.

Nolan Arenado is an obvious first thought. He has voiced his positive opinion of the Cardinals recently and Colorado may want to trade him to get something in return before he becomes a free agent. At the same time, the Rockies are good and in first place in the West this season.

Another possible option is a trade for Anthony Rendon. Considering how the Nationals season has been – they may be open to trading Rendon. A middle of the lineup with Rendon and a shoulder-healthy Marcell Ozuna doesn’t seem half bad.

Outside of third, the rest of the team seems pretty set – and I say that with confidence.

An outfield of Ozuna, Harrison Bader, and Tyler O’Neill sounds pretty exciting. What the Cardinals plan to do with Jose Martinez is kind of confusing though because he can’t field anywhere and the Cardinals don’t play with a DH. But man, a .300 average sure is pretty.

With the infield, Matt Carpenter at first and Yadier Molina catching is obvious. I like a full year of Kolten Wong at second base under management from Mike Shildt. The guy has swag when he plays everyday. Paul DeJong at short…maybe third depending how the offseason goes.

Let’s not forget about Yairo Munoz. He’ll find himself somewhere in the lineup next season more often than not.

That leaves a gaping hole on the left side with some optimism that the birds find a big bat to fill it.

I think the Cardinals front office taking a serious look at working a trade with the Nationals for Rendon is the best fit here.

What are your thoughts on the St. Louis Cardinals 2019 roster?