4 ways John Mozeliak can finish the Cardinals' offseason strong

2. Clarify the team's depth

St. Louis's positional depth is unmatched across the league. Paul Goldschmidt, Brendan Donovan, Nolan Gorman, Tommy Edman, Nolan Arenado, Richie Palacios, and Masyn Winn can all play the infield positions at above-average rates.

In the outfield, Jordan Walker, Lars Nootbaar, Tyler O'Neill, Tommy Edman, Dylan Carlson, Richie Palacios, and Alec Burleson are all capable players who could all start. Basically, the Cardinals have twelve players who could all theoretically be consistent starters on most teams in baseball. Only nine players can play at a time. Strong bench players are essential for any team, especially playoff contenders, but depth can become an issue.

Dylan Carlson, Brendan Donovan, Tommy Edman, Alec Burleson, Nolan Gorman, and Tyler O'Neill have all been rumored to be trade candidates, and each player would bring back a decent haul. John Mozeliak would be wise to use the team's strength (position player depth) to build up a weakness, pitching. That leads me to the next move Mozeliak can make to change the tides of the offseason...

3. Trade for a starting pitcher

In addition to signing a starting pitcher, John Mozeliak needs to trade for one to change the perception of the offseason. Dylan Cease, Logan Gilbert, Corbin Burnes, Shane Bieber, and Tyler Glasnow have been rumored to be trade candidates this offseason. Bieber, Burnes, and Glasnow are all one-year rentals; Cease is under team control for two more years, and Gilbert isn't a free agent until 2028.

In addition to these high-end trade candidates, there are plenty of mid-tier or buy-low pitchers who could be available. Nestor Cortes Jr., Edward Cabrera, Alek Manoah, and others would be fine additions to the Cardinals' starting rotation. John Mozeliak would transform the rotation in one offseason should he sign and trade for a starter in addition to the signings of Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn.

4. Be transparent

The Cardinal Way does not preach transparency. For years, Mozeliak and the front office have been tight-lipped about trades, team updates, and issues in the clubhouse. While the clubhouse issues boiled to the top this past year, for the most part, the team has kept any discord under wraps.

John Mozeliak has been fairly transparent this year about his plans to improve the team. From the Trade Deadline goals of improving the farm system and finding pitching to the offseason goal of adding more pitching, Mozeliak has shared his plan for the Cardinals these past few months with the public.

These public declarations are unlike anything we've seen from the front office since Mozeliak came to power in 2007, but fans should welcome them. While these pronouncements may hurt the Cardinals' bargaining power on the open market for both trades and free agents, they allow the fanbase to be at ease.

During the press conference in which Mozeliak announced the signings of Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn, he went on to say that the offseason is still young and that he isn't done building the team. These reassurances allow fans to relax when they disagree with the team's moves. John Mozeliak should continue to be transparent without weakening his bargaining power this offseason.