Willson Contreras contract sets up for another big Cardinals move this offseason

The St. Louis Cardinals are making smart moves this offseason as they allow flexibility to spend more money following the Willson Contreras signing.

The St. Louis Cardinals recently made a big splash on the market by signing star catcher Willson Contreras, replacing veteran Yadier Molina who retired following the 2022 season. They signed him to a five-year deal worth $87.5 million, and are giving him $10 million in his first season to allow flexibility to spend.

In a Q&A with Derrick Goold of STL Today, it was revealed that the Cardinals are doing so to give them more payroll flexibility. They have quite a few holes to fill in the roster with Albert Pujols also gone from the team, so it’s a smart move to be as flexible as possible to allow those spots to be filled.

The Cards are heavily tied to another star, Carlos Rodon. With this extra flexibility in their payroll, it’s possible that they could land him.

Cardinals may have set themselves up to land another star

While the Cardinals have some tough competition for Rodon with the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins also being tied to him, it’s still a possibility as they have a bit of flexibility and are in need of a pitcher following Wainwright leaving.

St. Louis hasn’t been a bad team over the past few seasons, but playoff appearances aren’t enough with a squad this talented. Contreras won’t be the solution to the team alone.

There’s of course the chance that Rodon doesn’t land the Cards, but they still have the option to sign someone like him or another star similar to his caliber.

While Contreras was a smart and necessary signing, they played their cards right by allowing the extra flexibility for other decisions down the road, too.