Cardinals at risk of losing out on top priority ahead of MLB Winter Meetings

If the St. Louis Cardinals aren’t careful, they may miss out on a potential Yadier Molina replacement in former Cubs catcher Willson Contreras.

The Cardinals were often discussed as a worst-case scenario for Cubs fans in regards to losing Willson Contreras. Yadier Molina’s retirement lined up perfectly with Contreras’ free agency, and previous trade interest, making St. Louis an intriguing potential suitor.

However, the Cards haven’t been discussed much so far this offseason in line with Contreras. Could they be looking to replace Molina elsewhere, or have they dropped the ball?

Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Houston Astros have emerged as the likely favorite to land Contreras, despite the presence of Martin Maldonado at the catcher position. They view Contreras as a designated hitter.

In that same column, Rosenthal mentions the Cardinals, and that finding a replacement for Molina remains their top priority.

Cardinals could miss out on Willson Contreras

This is purely hearsay, but perhaps the Cardinals would prefer a better defensive catcher, as Molina was one of the best in baseball at throwing out runners, pitch framing and more for decades. Contreras has been recruited as a designated hitter by some teams.

With that in mind, if Contreras isn’t a fit to replace Molina, then who is? What about Sean Murphy of the Oakland Athletics, who is garnering some trade interest. FanSided’s Eric Treuden put together a possible trade package for the two teams this week:

Baseball Trade Values ranks this trade as nearly a perfect exchange of goods and services. All three prospects the A’s would receive are near or at the MLB level. Woodford is the oldest at 26 years old, but Gorman and Liberatore made their debuts just last season.

Murphy was worth 3.5 bWAR last season, ranking among the best catchers in all of baseball. He’d be an ideal replacement, if the Cardinals can swing it.