Cardinals among most interested in big-name free agent shortstop

The St. Louis Cardinals are interested in getting in on the very hot shortstop free agent market.

The St. Louis Cardinals have done a decent job so far this offseason. They signed Willson Contreras away from a division rival which fills a gaping hole behind the plate left by Yadier Molina’s retirement.

There are certainly more moves they could look to make, though, and it appears they’re looking at getting in on the shortstop market, which behind Aaron Judge, was the top story of the offseason.

Xander Bogaerts is off the market, leaving Carlos Correa and Dansby Swanson as the best options available. Apparently, the Cardinals are in the mix for Swanson:

They’re competing alongside the Cubs, Twins, and Red Sox (who ironically need to fill the hole Xander Bogaerts left) for Swanson.

Dansby Swanson will command a big paycheck

With Bogaerts setting the shortstop market with an 11-year, $280 million deal, you can bet your top dollar that the other start shortstops are going to get paid, too.

Notably, the report of interest from the Cardinals does not suggest the interest is mutual or that there is a meeting planned.

Plus, with such a commitment to Contreras, can they even afford to stay in alongside these teams who may have more money to spend this offseason?

Paul DeJong is their only shortstop on payroll currently.

The Cardinals finished 93-69 last year, losing in the Wild Card round of the postseason. It was a magical final year for Albert Pujols and Molina, but the Cardinals will need to make moves to keep the magic going.

On the tail of the Contreras signing, going all-in and signing Swanson would certainly show the National League this team isn’t messing around. It’ll take a convincing offer with so many teams involved in the push for him, though.