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FREE AGENTS AND BUYOUT CANDIDATES:
40-36: Andrew Miller (FA 2022), Dexter Fowler (FA 2022), Kwang-Hyun Kim (FA 2022), Matt Carpenter (buyout in 2022), Carlos Martinez (club option 2022)
These are the high-priced veterans who are unlikely to resign with the Cardinals next season. Fowler and Miller have had very up-and-down tenures in St. Louis, but both have trended upwards as their deals have winded down. While not living up to the big contracts they originally signed, both have been exemplary Cardinals off the field, and I wish nothing more but to see them produce at a high level as a Cardinal one last time in 2021.
KK will be a valuable member of the rotation this year, and it could make sense to keep him around in the future. However, with the amount of depth the Cardinals have coming up through the system, they might be better off spending money elsewhere. A productive signing by John Mozeliak and the front office, but not a player who fits into the long-term plans.
Unless Carpenter and Martinez shock the world this season, I’d expect both players to become free agents in 2022. Carpenter is a fan-favorite, and I for one will be sad to see him go. I think this at-bat against Clayton Kershaw is the greatest plate appearance I’ve ever seen. With multiple young third base prospects, I don’t see Carpenter playing in St. Louis after this season.
Martinez is still a wild card. If he returns to his All-Star form, I would love for him to stick around. He brings an energy and flair to the mound that is special in baseball. If he can pitch consistently out of the rotation this season, the Cardinals will definitely pick up his option. If not, he will continue to be the subject of trade rumors as his time in St. Louis comes to a close.