Cardinals rumors: St. Louis has hidden offseason clue in Contreras contract?

Are the St. Louis Cardinals planning to spend some more this offseason? If you’re into theories and possibilities, perhaps the structure of the contract just signed by Willson Contreras could give a hint on what is to come this offseason in the Gateway City.

Rumors: Willson Contreras contract structure could mean more St. Louis Cardinals spending

The 30-year-old Contreras just inked a five-year, $87.5 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason, cementing his place behind the plate for the franchise which was searching for a replacement for the recently retired Yadier Molina. Coming over from the Chicago Cubs to St. Louis, Contreras certainly filled one of the needs for the Cardinals this offseason. However, there is more for the franchise to do.

And perhaps that is why the new contract for Contreras is constructed the way it is. Could the contract be backloaded as a way to help St. Louis have more money to spend this offseason?

With Contreras earning $10 million next season, but that number jumping up considerably for the 2024 campaign and beyond, could that money be used by the franchise in 2022 in other ways? Reports have indicated that the Cardinals may be “the mystery team” that is involved in the bidding for starting pitcher Carlos Rodon, the best of the remaining free agent starters. St. Louis is reportedly looking for help in the rotation, meaning that some extra money this season could go toward filling that need as well.

Or what about another position, such as shortstop? There are rumors of a bidding war on the horizon between the Cubs and Cardinals for Dansby Swanson. It’s another potential spot where a backloaded Contreras contract could pay dividends.

If St. Louis does indeed sign another big-name free agent this offseason, don’t be surprised if every dollar, including the ones being saved by the Contreras contract structure in 2023, may make a big difference.