3 players for St. Louis Cardinals to target this offseason
By David Hill
The St. Louis Cardinals will be right there again in the end next season.
Considering that they have not had a record below .500 since 2007, it would be a shock if that was not the case. That was also the only time the Cardinals have been below .500 in the 21st century, an impressive run for any team. As the NL Central is in a relative state of flux, it should be expected that the Cardinals will be contending for the postseason again in 2023.
Three players for St. Louis Cardinals to target
But the Cardinals are in a state of flux as well. Franchise legends Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols have retired, the latter having been brought back on a farewell tour. Adam Wainwright is set to retire after next year. The old guard is making way for a new core headed by Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado. But they will need some help as there are several holes in the roster.
The St. Louis Cardinals are still likely to be the class of the NL Central despite their flaws. Let’s look at three players to target this offseason.
Sean Murphy
Following in Molina’s footsteps is not going to be easy.
Yes, the St, Louis Cardinals have a veteran pitching staff and do not need their hands to be held throughout the game. But it is a matter of Molina’s trust and respect from the pitching staff behind the plate, his leadership in the clubhouse, and what he meant to the organization. That, more than anything else, is what the Cardinals will be looking for.
Such an option could be available on the trade market. It is a matter of time before the A’s trade Sean Murphy this offseason, and while there will be plenty of teams interested in his services, he would be exactly what the Cardinals need.
He would certainly be an upgrade in the lineup. Murphy had a breakout campaign in 2022, posting a .250/.332/.426 batting line with 18 homers and 37 doubles in his 612 plate appearances while improving his strikeout and walk rates. Add in his Gold Glove caliber defense behind the plate and his own leadership skills and he could be the perfect option to follow Molina.
No one is going to replace what Yadier Molina meant to the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Sean Murphy could still be an upgrade in the lineup.