St. Louis Cardinals: Pros and cons of 5 free-agent shortstops

The St. Louis Cardinals look to add a top-tier shortstop into the fold next season. With several options available, what are the pros and cons of each candidate?

The St. Louis Cardinals will be one of many vying for the services of a new shortstop this offseason.

After a year of struggles with health and regaining his form in the field and at the plate, Paul DeJong will potentially become a trade chip for the Cardinals this offseason as the team desires a new, top-tier shortstop to bolster their already stellar infield defense. Making sure that new shortstop can be a key piece to an already good lineup will just be icing on the cake for president of baseball operations John Mozeliak.

At the moment, Mozeliak’s number one priority is something many didn’t foresee. The team must name a new manager to replace the ousted Mike Shildt.

While Mozeliak said he didn’t expect it would take long to name a new manager, he will not be able to do much else until that decision is made. Not to mention the league will have to contend with the current collective bargaining agreement expiring on December 1.

This offseason was anticipated as a huge one for Mozeliak. He must get everything right. Including who he gets for shortstop as he’s been quite vocal about wanting that top-tier addition to his team.

It will be hard to see DeJong potentially be traded away but if Mozeliak is able to score one of the better players available at the shortstop position, and they play as they are capable, it will be a little easier. It will be curious to see what Edmundo Sosa’s role will be with the team as he is still under team control. He was big for the team in 2021 during DeJong’s time of struggle. This should not be forgotten.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of who may be options for the Cardinals at shortstop.