Even if its unlikely, the Cardinals are open trading for a long-term contract this winter

Earlier this week, I wrote a piece about how if Fernando Tatis Jr. were truly to become available via trade this offseason, the St. Louis Cardinals should call to see what that kind of deal would look like. Call. Investigate. Kick the tires. But oh boy, you would've thought I demanded that Bloom force AJ Preller to give up Tatis and then start going all-in on a World Series based on how some responded, both in the media and those who observe the team.

Let me repeat what I said in the piece. I did not say the deal should happen, and I was very clear that even if I felt that way, it was very unlikely given many circumstances. But that does not preclude the front office from checking in on opportunities, and reporting from Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch confirms that the Cardinals are open to making a trade for a "long-term contract that would fit their view of when they'll contend and the role/positoins they feel they need when that happens". Forgive me for even suggesting that Tatis could fit those requirements! (And I wasn't alone; just look at Jeff Jones of the Bellville News Democrat, who looked at the 'profile' of Tatis as the 'type of move' the Cardinals 'could consider,' even if it's unlikely.)

Let's go over to the exact quotes from Goold. In a "Ask Goold" over on STL Today, Goold was asked by Matt S from Tower Grove: "It's assumed the Cardinals will not sign a higher cost free agent this off-season - my question is, do they trade for one? We talk about how much, or lack there of, the Cardinals have on the books but they can add to the payroll by trading for salary, as well. Is that in play this offseason?"

Here was Goold's response (italics and bold added for emphasis): "They can indeed. That was the kind of move that Chaim Bloom agreed was a possibility – adding a player with a longer-term contract that would fit with their view of when they’ll contend and the role/positions they feel they’ll need when that happens. He said that kind of player could be acquired this winter, and will at least be looked at. It is harder to find a player that fits that profile.

Goold continued: "A few players with longer term deals are aging into the seasons with the highest salary and the lowest probability of production, due to age or injury. There are some intriguing players with a year to go before free agency and that would be a sweet spot for the Cardinals to acquire and then try to extend. The lockout is a complication for that at the moment, but once the game emerges with a new CBA what’s old could be new again and that familiar approach for the Cardinals could be in play again and pursued."

Hm. It sure sounds like something the Cardinals are considering! But like Goold said, and like what I repeated multiple times and will continue to state - finding the right fit is far more complicated. But that doesn't mean we can't talk about it!

The Cardinals exploration of the trade market may not result in a deal this offseason, but it could down the line.

I expected nothing less from this creative and forward-thinking front office. No, I don't expect them to make a big splash, nor do I fall in the crowd of folks who will shake their fist if the Cardinals don't increase their payroll in 2027. But I do think highly enough of this front office that I believe they'll turn over every stone in pursuit of making this organization better, and making a trade for a premier talent, if they fit the timeline and the price is right, is one of those routes.

Chaim Bloom is savvy when it comes to the trade market. And as I noted in the Tatis story, the Cardinals have a long, rich history of trading for star talent that they don't develop internally, not signing it. So daring to say the Cardinals could look around the league for great fits is holding to the expertise of those in charge and the history of the organization.

Given how unstable the baseball landscape is right now, the Cardinals, perhaps more than any other team in baseball, are positioned to pounce on opportunities that the market presents them that other organizations may not be able to stomach. No, not to do something dumb, but to consider every possible opportunity to gain an edge on their opposition. And if there's an established player they can acquire via trade now, knowing that they'll also help them in 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031, etc...then why wouldn't they look at that? Yes, prospect capital is still king right now, but that shouldn't stop St. Louis from getting creative for the right players at the right prices.

Here's the thing about the trade market vs. looking out at free agency when trying to connect the dots for a team like the Cardinals - barring specific reports about players available via trade, it's reaaaaallllly difficult to pinpoint specific names. Sure, some would say, "Then don't!", but I do not think we need to tell people to stop giving opinions or theorizing moves for teams around the league. It's part of the fun of following the sport.

Let's not forget - the Nolan Arenado trade for St. Louis was years in the making. The Cardinals had their eye on Arenado way before a deal ever went down, and had discussed an actual trade with the Rockies off and on for at least 13 months before a deal ever went down. There's power in kicking the tires, folks.

Anyway, I thought you may be interested today to see that yes, Bloom does see value in considering acquiring an established player via trade, but because of where the Cardinals are at in their rebuild, they by no means need to feel "pressure" to make a move. But if opportunity knocks, they should be willing to listen. And frankly, they shouldn't have any fear of knocking on anyone else's doors - who knows what kind of response they'll get?

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