3 Yadier Molina replacements Cardinals could sign if necessary

1. J.T. Realmuto

Now let’s get crazy. The previous two players on this list were all about the Cardinals saving money. Signing Realmuto would obviously be a move in the complete opposite direction.

Any list of catchers has to include the top one available. Realmuto remains a man without a team and maybe Cardinals ownership decides they don’t want a stopgap at catcher following nearly two decades of Molina.

Realmuto is one of the top free agents available in general. Plenty of teams want his services so this would be a long-shot unless the Cardinals have a change of heart.

The benefit of such a move would include the team getting another All-Star behind the plate. Catcher would not be a weak spot in the lineup and the team would actually get a major upgrade at the position. And of course, fans already know the inherent benefits of adding Realmuto. That is why he is so highly coveted this offseason.

Can the Cardinals afford Realmuto? Technically, the answer to that is yes. The question is if the want is there to spend money on him as opposed to someone younger or in next year’s free agent class.