St. Louis Cardinals: 3 free agents to sign and 1 to avoid

Avoid George Springer

George Springer may be one player who does not accept a cheaper deal. The Astros star is hitting the market as one of the premier free agents this offseason.

This is a situation where the Cardinals want to avoid making him the focal point on the roster in terms of payment.

Springer is already 31 years old and may command a deal that pays him handsomely until he is at least 40 years old. A much better alternative is signing someone like Brantley on a two-year deal, chasing a World Series, and then rebuilding with the younger talent already in the system.

Chasing Springer would also mean the Cardinals may be in for a chase that lasts all winter. That could mean missing out on other free agents, such as those on this list, in the hopes Springer wants to sign in St. Louis.

The outfielder is a proven talent. He is just going to be too expensive during a year where teams are operating with different budgets. Someone like Realmuto is an exception due to his position.

Springer is a great talent who deserves to be paid. The Cardinals just don’t necessarily need a savior like Springer, but rather, a few nice pieces to round out an already talented roster.