5 offseason moves the Cardinals need to make

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 15: Harrison Bader #48 of the St. Louis Cardinals reacts after they lost game four and the National League Championship Series to the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on October 15, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 09: Atlanta Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson #20 rounds the bases after hitting a home run the fifth and final game of the National League Division Series between the Atlanta Braves and the St. Louis Cardinals on October 9, 2019 at Suntrust Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Target Josh Donaldson

Prior to his injury-plagued 2017 and 2018 seasons, Josh Donaldson was viewed as a potential target for the Cardinals, either by trade or free agency. It’s an easy fit to envision, with Donaldson’s fiery character and passion for the game an obvious match for the city of St. Louis. He is a veteran leader who drives everyone around him to be at their best.

Donaldson had a big bounceback year in Atlanta and will now get a chance at a multi-year deal without the hassle of the qualifying offer. He’s earned at least a three-year deal, perhaps with a team option for a fourth. At 33, Donaldson is no longer young, but appeared in 155 games last year.

In his lone season with the Braves, Donaldson hit .259/.379/.521 with 33 doubles, 37 home runs and 94 RBI. He also played elite defense at third base and was worth more WAR than human highlight reel Ronald Acuna. Donaldson showed the ability to perform at just a shade below MVP caliber.

Infield depth is not a terrible concern for the Cardinals, with Paul DeJong, Tommy Edman, Matt Carpenter and Kolten Wong all able to play multiple positions. Carpenter, however, is on the wrong side of 30, while Edman and DeJong have yet to put together multiple strong seasons and Wong is good but not great. There’s enough depth and flexibility to be found in that group to spread at-bats around two infield positions with Donaldson holding down third base. He is heading into the last few years of his prime and is going in the right direction after two down years.

Home/MLB