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

The Cardinals should avoid signing Dansby Swanson

Rumors have connected Swanson to the Cardinals if he’s unable to sign with the Atlanta Braves.

It sounds good, but the club still has Paul DeJong on the roster. Mozeliak will give DeJong every chance possible to earn the starting job in the final year of his 6-year deal worth $26 million, including options for 2024 and 25. With Mozelaik’s loyalty, you would think he is primed to use those options.

If things don’t work out with DeJong, the Cardinals still have a solid defender with Tommy Edman, who won the Gold Glove at second base in 2021.  Masyn Winn is the organization’s top prospect at shortstop who could be a couple of years away from being major-league ready. Winn caught the eye of the baseball world over the All-Star break when he threw out a runner attempting to reach first base with a 100 mph throw. He’s impressive and could mind the shortstop position with the Cardinals for years.

While Swanson sounds appealing, it’s not feasible with the Cardinals’ plans.