Shortstop is an area of need for the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason as they look to retool in the post-Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina era.
Neither Albert Pujols nor Yadier Molina played shortstop, but that doesn’t make it any less of a need. Paul DeJong doesn’t seem to be cutting it, and John Mozeliak’s comments about the matter suggest he’d like some improvement in that department.
Per Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, here’s what Hummel said:
"“I think everybody would agree that there’s a level of frustration with the year (by DeJong), but there’s also a little bit of optimism — because you did see it for two weeks. The most important element in all of this is: What is the offseason going to look like for him? And does he have a strategy to get himself where he needs to be on a consistent level? Our staff is certainly going to be challenged coming up with that curriculum. And then you have to hope he’s willing to buy into it and try it.”"
DeJong will make $9 million next season, so he’s not exactly a cap liability. If he were to enter next year as the Cards starting shortstop, few would bat an eye. But St. Louis can do better — and after a postseason in which they lost in the Wild Card round, they ought to try.
Cardinals shortstop targets: Dansby Swanson
The Braves are flirting with disaster by even letting Swanson reach the free-agent market. Swanson has the same agent (Casey Close) that Freddie Freeman employed last offseason. Freeman famously left Atlanta, despite mutual interest in a return. Swanson and the Braves are in a similar boat.
Swanson played incredibly well in a walk year, thus increasing his value immensely. Because of that, perhaps the Braves would be scared away from a high price tag. Meanwhile, the Cards could jump at that opportunity.
As I wrote in a recent column about Swanson replacements in Atlanta, Alex Anthopoulos was non-committal when asked about the possibility of re-signing ‘the sheriff’.
"Still, it’s a possibility Swanson’s negotiations could go similarly to Freddie Freeman’s from last winter. Atlanta fans hope that’s not the case. Per MLB.com’s Justin Toscano, when asked about Swanson’s looming free agency, Anthopoulos was non-commital: “Asked about his confidence level in getting a deal done with Dansby Swanson, Alex Anthopoulos didn’t reveal anything, except praising Swanson for being a great teammate and leader. Anthopoulos said the reports that have been out about that situation are true,” Toscano wrote."
The Cards are in prime position to take advantage, and complete their infield with Swanson, Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt joining forces.
Cardinals shortstop targets: Xander Bogaerts
Xander Bogaerts was named a Gold Glove finalist on Thursday — so much for that narrative about a looming position change. Bogaerts will opt out of his current Red Sox contract and become a free agent this offseason. It has not been a well-kept secret.
With that in mind, where could Bogaerts go?
St. Louis makes a lot of sense in theory. They would have to break the mold and spend big money in free agency, something they have failed to do in recent years. Per Mac Cerullo of the Gloucester Times, the Cardinals are expected to pursue Bogaerts.
"“Others to keep an eye on include the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles. The Cardinals are flush with cash after this past summer’s Albert Pujols retirement tour and are expected to pursue a big shortstop so Tommy Edman can move back to second base.”"
Would it be out of character for St. Louis to spend so much on a shortstop? Absolutely. But Bogaerts isn’t just a shortstop. He can play multiple positions when called upon, and has the range to excel at short if called upon.
Cardinals shortstop targets: Trea Turner
Trea Turner is the best shortstop available on the market, bar none. The Dodgers have the money to bring him back, should they choose, but Los Angeles might have other plans. Why not Aaron Judge, for example?
FanSided’s Robert Murray did not list the Cardinals as one of three likely suitors for Turner, but did suggest that the Braves or even Giants could pose a real threat to Los Angeles. Murray considers the Dodgers the favorite for several reasons:
"“By all accounts, Turner has loved his time with the Dodgers, and that feeling is mutual. Los Angeles felt comfortable letting Corey Seager leave in free agency last winter because of Turner’s presence. But Turner, who some scouts believe is the best shortstop in baseball, is going to get paid in free agency. One evaluator predicted Turner would sign a long-term contract worth between Seager and Francisco Lindor’s average annual value. When asked about that assessment, another evaluator said: “They’re in the right ballpark.”"
St. Louis cannot outspend LA, so how can they end up with Turner?
The answer to that question is rather simple — hope that Turner’s self-valuation is so astronomical that the Dodgers fail to give in. Think of Carlos Correa’s situation last offseason. The Dodgers, much like the Astros, are a very well-run organization. If they have to replace Turner, they can.
No one player is above the organization. In this scenario, Turner would price his way out of LA, and potentially end up on a short-term, high AAV location like St. Louis.
Cardinals fans can dream.