Cardinals Rumors: St. Louis in talks with multiple players

The sleeping giant that is the St. Louis Cardinals is finally awake.

Entering Thursday, the St. Louis Cardinals had not been connected to any outside free agents. They were the quietest team in a division that had spent a combined $3 million on major-league free agents.

Then came the re-signing of free-agent pitcher Adam Wainwright. It was soon followed up with rumors that they were working to bring back Yadier Molina and Kolten Wong. Then Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic dropped the hammer, reporting that the Cardinals were talking to the Colorado Rockies about a trade to acquire All-Star third basemen Nolan Arenado.

Ben Remis wrote a nice story on the Arenado rumors, so we will focus on the Molina and Wong tidbits from Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

It has been the worst kept secret in baseball that the Cardinals want to re-sign Molina, and there is mutual interest in completing a deal. Of course, his asking price on a multi-year deal has been outrageous and there is no evidence that a deal is close. But with J.T. Realmuto returning to the Phillies, and Molina being the clear-cut best option available on the market, it is highly likely both sides work out an agreement – a one-year deal with an option for a second year – sooner than later.

Wong, however, is more complicated. He sent a cryptic tweet after the Wainwright deal, perhaps hinting that a reunion is unlikely after reports recently emerged that the Cardinals were not actively pursuing the free-agent second baseman after declining his $12.5 million club option.

But the Wainwright deal was just the beginning for the Cardinals. It would not be a surprise to see Molina follow suit. If the Cardinals are able to acquire Arenado, however, it would turn a disappointing offseason into one of the most memorable winters in recent history.

It’s now up to president of baseball operations John Mozeliak to make it happen — and when given the chance to make these moves, he’s shown an ability to get the deal done. Stay tuned.