Cardinals: 3 players we need to drop like a bad habit

The St. Louis Cardinals would be wise to find any way to move on from several notable players on the roster.  

The St. Louis Cardinals had yet another early postseason exit in 2020. Now the team is facing a potential transition period that could begin by losing Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright, and Kolten Wong.

There are several other veterans on the roster taking up a good amount of the payroll that, if let go, would truly signal a new era of Cardinals baseball. It is not as easy as simply cutting them, but perhaps trades can be sought for the following players this offseason.

3 players Cardinals need to somehow drop

3. Andrew Miller

Andrew Miller earned himself $12 million in 2021 by achieving what was needed for his vesting option on what was originally a two-year deal with the Cardinals.

He showed up in St. Louis in 2019 after a stint with the Cleveland Indians that saw the reliever make an All-Star Game and change the way managers use their top relievers. The results weren’t great in 2019 as he posted a 4.45 ERA in 73 appearances.

2020 saw Miller post a 2.77 ERA in limited action and only make one quick postseason appearance against the San Diego Padres. He was solid, but his $12 million price tag is by far the highest in a bullpen that may prefer younger arms over Miller and his negative WAR in St. Louis.

Miller has a no-trade clause, but the Cardinals may want to call around and see if any team the reliever likes is interested in a trade. He may want to go to a top contender as his career nears an end and there are still several months to discuss such a move.