Fansided

5 teams that lost the MLB offseason

By Jackson Shannon

October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) returns to the dugout after being relieved in the seventh inning against New York Mets in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
October 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) returns to the dugout after being relieved in the seventh inning against New York Mets in game five of NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jason Heyward (22) slides into second base after a wild pitch Chicago Cubs infielder Addison Russell (22) attempts to tag during the fourth inning of game one of the NLDS at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jason Heyward (22) slides into second base after a wild pitch Chicago Cubs infielder Addison Russell (22) attempts to tag during the fourth inning of game one of the NLDS at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

5. St. Louis Cardinals

One of baseball’s most respected and successful franchises finds itself on a list it normally would not belong on. The failure of the Cardinals’ offseason starts with losing Jason Heyward to the Chicago Cubs. St. Louis also lost successful veteran pitcher John Lackey to the Cubs, pouring more salt in to wound. Similar to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ signing of Zack Grienke, the Cardinals will now have the misfortune of having to play against Heyward and Lackey throughout the season.

The Cardinals desperately needed starting pitching and were reportedly targeting David Price. This would have been an incredible power move by the Red Birds but he signed a lucrative deal with Boston. The Cardinals settled with Mike Leake, whom is a quality starting pitcher that will eat innings and battle every fifth day but is not a blue-chip, free-agent pitcher.

Health will be a big concern for the Cardinals throughout the 2016 season and the success of the pitching staff will closely be monitored. The rise of the Cubs and the steady Pittsburgh Pirates will make it difficult for the Cardinals to repeat as National League Central champions.

Next: 4. Los Angeles Angels

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