3 players in the World Series the Cardinals could sign in free agency this offseason

The Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers will kick off the World Series on Friday, October 23rd. Baseball's two winningest teams this year are going head-to-head for supremacy. This high-caliber matchup of analytically driven teams will give the St. Louis Cardinals a close look at several free agents who could help them out next year.

The Cardinals won't be major players in free agency; the priority is still building from within. However, that doesn't mean they can't add on the fringes to fill holes and provide valuable depth to a roster that is yet unproven. There are several upcoming free agents on both the Rays and the Brewers who could be of benefit to the Cardinals next year.

3 free agents who are playing in the World Series who could help the St. Louis Cardinals in 2027

RHP Nick Martinez

Right-handed pitcher Nick Martinez is certainly a journeyman. Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the eighteenth round of the 2011 MLB Draft, Martinez has played for four different MLB teams in addition to a three-year stint in Japan. The 35-year-old righty put together one of his best seasons this past year in Tampa.

Martinez finished the regular season with a 3.10 ERA, a 3.96 FIP, and 2.9 fWAR across 31 starts (180 innings). In Martinez's first six years (2014-2017 and 2022-2023) in the majors, he had a 4.31 ERA and a 4.95 FIP. He also posted a 1.389 WHIP while striking out 6.2 batters per nine innings.

Over the last three years, Martinez has a 3.56 ERA, 3.87 FIP, 1.113 WHIP, and a 6.3 K/9 rate. He's become far better at limiting walks and home runs since his return to the majors five years ago. His 1.3 BB/9 rate was the best in the majors this past year.

The Cardinals are looking to increase strikeout production in their rotation, and Martinez certainly doesn't fit that bill. That's my primary concern in signing him this winter.

Spotrac projects him to receive a two-year deal worth $43MM total. That's probably out of the Cardinals' price range, but if his market begins to fall through, St. Louis could jump on a one-year deal with an option.

RHP Antonio Senzatela

Let's start by pointing out that reliever Antonio Senzatela has a club option next year valued at $14MM. There is no buyout if the Brewers decline that option. Even though he was effective for Milwaukee last year, that's a high price tag for a reliever, especially considering Milwaukee's track record with costly players.

Senzatela finished 2026 with a 4.05 ERA and a 3.67 FIP across 73.1 innings last year. He showed a jump in his strikeout rate (19.3%) while pairing it with a slight increase in walk rate (8.4%). His numbers did see a dip following his departure from Colorado and his time with the Brewers.

Senzatela could be a sneaky-good reliever pickup by the Cardinals this offseason. He won't be too pricey, and he could be flipped at the deadline for a depth prospect or two assuming he has a solid first half of the year.

UTIL Jorge Mateo

Let me be clear: this wouldn't be a glorious free agent signing.

Jorge Mateo would mirror the signing of third baseman Ramon Urias last year to an extent. He brings a positive clubhouse presence and experience that several young Cardinals don't have. He's also able to play multiple positions on the diamond. There's value in both of those things.

Offensively, there isn't much to Mateo's profile. He spent time with both the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays this past year. He finished the year with a .203/.245/.314 slash line, five home runs, and 19 stolen bases. He was a better player with the Braves than the Rays, albeit while still being a negative offensive player (82 OPS+ with Atlanta). Tampa Bay was able to tap into his plus speed, giving him the green light to swipe nine bags in only 32 games.

Mateo wouldn't be a huge free-agency signing. If the Cardinals do opt to bring him on board, he would be the 26th man on the roster. He would spell Masyn Winn, JJ Wetherholt, and whoever is at third base next year from time to time. He's a veteran player with experience and a willingness to help out the team; there's certainly value in that profile.

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