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

ST LOUIS, MO - AUGUST 24: Paul DeJong #11 of the St. Louis Cardinals fields a ground ball during the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Busch Stadium on August 24, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO - AUGUST 24: Paul DeJong #11 of the St. Louis Cardinals fields a ground ball during the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Busch Stadium on August 24, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 17: Trevor Story #27 of the Colorado Rockies plays shortstop against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 17: Trevor Story #27 of the Colorado Rockies plays shortstop against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Trevor Story

Seen has the big prize in the shortstop free-agent market, it’s believed the Cardinals will make a huge run to get Trevor Story. It will reunite Story with best friend and Cardinals All-star third baseman, Nolan Arenado. This could be an assurance that Arenado will not use his opt-out after the 2022 season, as well. A win-win situation!

Pros

  • In 2021, Story hit .251/.329/.471 with a 100+ wRC. He hit 34 doubles, five triples, 20 stolen bases, 24 home runs, and 75 RBI. Without question, this would provide a significant upgrade to the lineup.
  • An All-Star shortstop with a gold glove caliber skill set at defense, he has a .975 fielding percentage. He did have a career-high in the number of errors committed at 14, but he did help the Colorado Rockies with 85 double plays. Imagine him with the already top-tier defense the Cardinals get from Arenado, Tommy Edman,  Edmundo Sosa, and Paul Goldschmidt.

Cons

  • Cost. Even with money available this offseason, it is still concerning what Story’s ultimate payday will be this offseason. Would they be able to afford him, a starting and relief pitcher, and bench help? Robert Murray discusses Story’s contract possibilities here.

Next. Evaluating the 4 strongest St. Louis Cardinals managerial candidates. dark