Why Corey Seager is an unlikely target for St. Louis Cardinals

Corey Seager is an unlikely target for the St. Louis Cardinals — and it all comes down to the free agents likely $300+ million contract.

The St. Louis Cardinals want to upgrade the shortstop position. That might be the worst kept secret in the National League Central. But when it comes to actually upgrading the position, they may not be able to sign the top players available this winter.

It comes down to price and this offseason will be no different, especially as teams grapple with the financial ramifications that will come with the CBA talks. But the Cardinals already have two $20+ million contracts on the books in 2022 and beyond and it would be tough to add a, say, $30 million annual salary to the books — and that is perhaps on the low end of what Corey Seager might sign for in free agency.

Which makes him a highly unlikely target for the Cardinals. Sure, it’s likely that they will be interested. Who wouldn’t be interested in Seager, a player some consider the best shortstop in baseball? But the acquisition cost figures to be well out of their price range – both in years and dollars – and it’s no guarantee that he leaves the Dodgers in free agency, telling reporters after Game 6 of the NLCS: “I grew up here (in Los Angeles), I’ve spent a lot of time here, I believe in what these guys do. I believe in how we go about it. Yeah, absolutely (I would want to come back).”

The same logic could apply for Carlos Correa and perhaps even Marcus Semien. It’s unlikely the Cardinals pursue Javier Baez. Their most obvious target is Trevor Story, as has been speculated and reported for months, and there’s a very real chance the dollars and years line up on a deal to bring Story to St. Louis.

Seager is unquestionably the best shortstop of the two, but even signing Story – and adding another starting pitcher and reliever – would vault the Cardinals into the World Series discussion. Seager would be nice, of course, but the price will be way out of their price range — and it’s no guarantee that he leaves the Dodgers. Don’t get your hopes up.