Predictions for the St. Louis Cardinals at the Winter Meetings

Cardinals do not sign a shortstop, but they will be connected to big fish on the trade market

As much as many of us would like to see the Cardinals make a splash and sign a big name shortstop this off-season, it appears like that will not happen for the second off-season in a row. Again, the possibility should not be ruled out, because the Cardinals are checking in and things do change, but I predict that other club’s will make strong offers on each of the top shortstops, offers that the Cardinals will not want to play around with.

In typical Cardinals fashion though, the club should be linked to some of the best names available in the trade market. They explored Juan Soto just a few months ago. They will call on big names and make a move if it seems right to them (see Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, Marcell Ozuna, Jason Heyward, and Giancarlo Stanton – who did not waive his no-trade clause, as examples of this). Sure, they did not move on Soto, but that is because it would have taken a historic package of prospects to get a deal done. Just take a moment to revisit the haul Washington got for Soto. To match that package, we are talking a deal that would have involved Jordan Walker with at least 3-5 of Nolan Gorman, Maysn Winn, Dylan Carlson, Tink Hence, and Gordon Graceffo.

But, the Cardinals proved once again they were willing to dance in deep waters and explore a move. Mozeliak knew it was going to cost a lot, and he would not have wasted his time in talks if he knew there was no way they could swing a deal. But in the event it did not cost Walker, and only a few of those names were on the table, Mozeliak was ready.

Bryan Reynolds just requested a trade from the Pirates and would be an excellent fit on the Cardinals roster. I speculated Reynolds and 5 other names a few days ago who could end up on the market this off-season. I firmly expect us to see the Cardinals as serious contenders for not only a catcher in the trade market, but another bat or pitcher as well.

These meetings may provide that direct link, or even a trade, but I do think they will at least plant the seasons for the Cardinals involvement in potentially another major trade.

What are your predictions for the Cardinals’ activity at the Winter Meetings? Comment them below!