St. Louis Cardinals rumors: Carlos Rodon not part of team’s plans

The St. Louis Cardinals already landed a big name behind the plate this offseason in Willson Contreras. Now, however, according to reports, it seems that the Cardinals will not be pursuing the biggest remaining name on the starting pitching free agent market.

Rumors: St. Louis Cardinals out of the chase for pitcher Carlos Rodón

In an article by Katie Woo of The Athletic (subscription required), according to sources, “it’s unlikely the Cardinals would shell out the years and money Rodón is coveting at this time.” It has been reported that Rodón is looking for at least a seven-year deal with around $30 million per season, which seemingly is over the price that the Cardinals are looking to spend this offseason or in the near future.

Jon Heyman of The New York Post has reported that the Cardinals were perhaps “the mystery team” that was involved in talks for Rodón, joining the most serious suitors (the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants, the team that Rodón pitched for last season). This latest report, however, puts that notion to rest.

St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak has, according to Woo, “stated multiple times over the last two months that the Cardinals have six starters.” Those six starters would be Adam Wainwright, Miles Mikolas, Jack Flaherty, Jordan Montgomery, Dakota Hudson, and Steven Matz. While Rodón would certainly add some intrigue and upside to the group, it appears that the Cardinals may be looking to spend any additional money this offseason in another area besides Rodón’s contract demands.

Could that spending be at shortstop? There are rumors connecting the Cardinals to the final big-name free agent shortstop available, Dansby Swanson.