The Cardinals should capitalize on a pre-lockout spending spree this offseason

Once the World Series ends and the offseason begins, teams and front offices will be very busy. Andy McCullough of The Athletic spoke with several insiders throughout baseball recently, and there was a general consensus that the hot stove could heat up more quickly than normal. This could be a benefit to the Cardinals.

Prior to MLB's last lockout in the 2021-2022 offseason, the Cardinals were mildly active. They jumped the market to sign lefty reliever T.J. McFarland and lefty starter Steven Matz. The hope was that Matz would provide valuable innings in the rotation for years to come.

They also had reported interest in Andrew Heaney, Alex Cobb, and Nick Martinez, but the deal for Matz was the one the club settled on.

St. Louis could similarly jump the market prior to a lockout on December 1 this year like they did five years ago.

Signing or extending players before MLB's lockout this offseason would benefit the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals aren't likely to spend big money this offseason. The ownership group and front office have both been adamant that they'll spend when the time is right. However, that shouldn't preclude them from filling obvious holes this offseason.

Third base, starting pitching, and the bullpen could all be improved. Center field might also be an area of interest, though Victor Scott II and Nathan Church seem to be the most likely candidates in center next year.

J.P. Crawford, Nick Martinez, and several relievers would be intriguing players for the 2027 Cardinals roster.

There are plenty of options in free agency for the Cardinals to explore, but they could jump the market early with extensions. Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker are the two most likely candidates to receive an extension, but outside candidates such as Masyn Winn, Leo Bernal, Rainiel Rodriguez, and Michael McGreevy could also start talks on an extension. The Cardinals may want to lock these players into deals under the current financial structure rather than risk what may come afterwards.

There's a strong possibility that Bill DeWitt Jr. and Bill DeWitt III play the waiting game this offseason. The ownership group for the Cardinals has seemed intent on maintaining a low payroll these last two years in deference to building up the farm system and forming a team from within. Uncertainty surrounding the future financial structure of MLB will also play a factor in any free agency decisions.

If a salary cap and floor appear imminent, the Cardinals might hold off on spending to see where those figures lie. If a floor and cap aren't imposed, then St. Louis might really stand pat with the payroll to continue saving money.

There are obvious holes on the Cardinals roster that need to be filled this offseason. If Chaim Bloom and the DeWitts want to jumpstart the roster rebuild before things go dark on December 1, they should take advantage of a potential free agent frenzy during the month of November.

A lockout in Major League Baseball appears certain at this point. Hopefully the Cardinals can give their fans a glimpse into their plans in the short term by signing free agents early this offseason or offering extensions to players currently on the roster.

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