5 St. Louis Cardinals players in line for contract extensions

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 15: Jack Flaherty #22 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on September 15, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 15: Jack Flaherty #22 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on September 15, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 18: Corey Dickerson #25 of the St. Louis Cardinals in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on May 18, 2022 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Cardinals 11-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 18: Corey Dickerson #25 of the St. Louis Cardinals in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on May 18, 2022 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Cardinals 11-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Corey Dickerson

Probably the most unique addition to this list, Corey Dickerson is a free agent after 2022, but his recent surge is filling a need in an outfield that recently lost Harrison Bader. Lars Nootbaar has faded a bit as of late, and the outfield is in need of someone to step up. Dickerson has done that in his chances, hitting .344 since the All-Star break. He’s been a steady, consistent player in his 10-year career, and there’s nothing to suggest he can’t remain one even at age 34 next year.

The departure of Albert Pujols after this season will free up more spots for Dickerson to be the designated hitter, which would be the best place in the lineup for him, as his defense is not an asset. Although Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson are waiting in the wings to take over spots in the outfield, Dickerson would do just fine keeping the seat warm for them next year.

The Cardinals aren’t in trouble with contracts right now, and 2023 is lining up to be an exciting season, but if they believe these players can continue to be worthy contributors, the Cardinals might as well lock them up for a few more years.

Next. Cardinals: Jordan Montgomery looks like trade deadline coup. dark