The St. Louis Cardinals intend on improving at a bargain this offseason. Here are five low-cost free agents for them to consider.
It’s the holiday season, a time when kids wish for the hottest and trendiest items, regardless of price, and parents find the closest things to them, with price firmly in mind. In the case of the St. Louis Cardinals, the fans are the kids, and the front office is the parents.
The terms ‘cut’ and ‘freeze’ have circled conversations regarding the Cards’ payroll this offseason. They’ve yet to complete a notable transaction, and there’s hardly a spark to the hope that they’ll spend on impact players leading up to spring training. Thus, for those of us wishing for George Springer this December, Santa and the Cardinals’ front office have other plans.
St. Louis must spend to some extent, however, if they want to improve their squad and return to the playoffs in 2021. It sure is daunting imagining nine-time Gold Glove winner Yadier Molina absent from behind the plate for the first time in 18 years. Replacing or bringing back Yadi should be atop the St. Louis Cardinals’ priority list this offseason, in addition to filling gaping voids at third base and throughout the outfield.
Their internal options at those positions are not favorable, which is why they’ll need to look to the free agent market for low-cost, high-reward-type players. Here are five to consider.