Rumors: St. Louis Cardinals chasing shortstop and what that would mean

SAN DIEGO — One MLB insider is saying that the St. Louis Cardinals “are active in the free agent shortstop market,” meaning the Cardinals could be looking at one of the three top-tier names at the position as a way to infuse some offense into the lineup.

Rumors: What would a change at shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals mean for the franchise?

There have already been plenty of rumors swirling regarding the Cardinals and various free agents at shortstop, ranging from Dansby Swanson and the Cardinals “could wind up” together if the Atlanta Braves are unable to resign him to an MLB Network host predicting Trea Turner would end up in the Gateway City (that was blown out of the water on Monday when the Philadelphia Phillies landed Turner in a blockbuster deal).

If the Cardinals were to sign one of the three remaining coveted shortstops, it would go against what St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) about St. Louis and shortstops this offseason, offering that it was “doubtful he could strike a bargain in free agency or in a trade” for a big-name shortstop.

However, let’s envision the Cardinals landing one of the three, and the potential dominoes that could fall from that.

First, Tommy Edman would move to second base, with Brendan Donovan seeing time there as well. That would likely cut down the playing opportunities for Nolan Gorman, which could lead to a potential trade that could help the Cardinals build at other positions, such as this suggested one with the Oakland A’s for catcher Sean Murphy.

Second, those resources going toward shortstop would likely scale back resources that could be spent at other positions. However, one big splash at shortstop, mixed with a trade and a potential depth signing in the outfield in Cody Bellinger (who has been seen hitting with Cardinals bench coach Matt Holliday) could revamp the St. Louis roster and add some punch to a lineup that once again fizzled in October.

Third, that shortstop could slot into the batting order ahead of Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, lengthening the lineup. The top two spots in the lineup went through plenty of changes during the season as manager Oliver Marmol looked for the right combination. Cardinals leadoff hitters last season as a group slashed just .231/.312/.347 so there is plenty of room for improvement at the top of the lineup.

Certainly all of this is hypothetical, but if the St. Louis Cardinals do indeed land a free agent shortstop, expect that decision to have a ripple effect on the entire franchise.

Do you think the Cardinals should sign a high-priced option at shortstop or ride current options with Edman, Donovan, and Gorman in the middle of the infield? Let us know in the comments section below.