St. Louis Cardinals know winning in 2023 will be costly

The St. Louis Cardinals have some major decisions to make and holes to fill.

For the first time in over a decade, catcher is a question mark with Yadier Molina retiring. The Cardinals could use another impact bat in the lineup. Nolan Arenado has to decide if he is opting out of the remaining five years and $144 million left on his contract. And let us not forget that the Cardinals need to add four coaches as well. It will be a busy offseason.

Time for St. Louis Cardinals to open the checkbook

It is also going to be an expensive offseason. As Derrick Goold from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported, the Cardinals are going to be increasing payroll for 2023 as they look to continue their postseason aspirations.

Some of these moves could still be relatively cost efficient. The Cardinals have been linked to Sean Murphy in trade rumors, which would provide a longer term answer behind the plate. As he is just entering arbitration now, Murphy could be a bargain while providing plenty of time for the Cardinals to attempt to work out an extension if he is a fit.

Other areas may be more expensive. Adam Wainwright is back, having agreed to a $17.5 million contract with $10 million deferred. If the Cardinals are going to target one of the top shortstops in the market, they could be looking at a contract north of $30 million per year. If Arenado does decide to opt-out of his contract, the Cardinals would be looking at another deal over $30 million. It is time to open the checkbook.

Fortunately, this is something that ownership realizes. Being a playoff team is fine, but the Cardinals have greater aspirations than just appearing in the postseason. If they are going to bring another championship to St. Louis, they will need to spend.

The St. Louis Cardinals are set to have an expensive offseason. Fortunately for them, ownership is ready to open the checkbook and spend.