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Cardinals: 1 trade, 1 signing and 1 prospect to win 2023 World Series

By Miranda Remaklus

June 8, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber (57) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
June 8, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber (57) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 14, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber (57) pitches against the New York Yankees during the second inning in game two of the ALDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber (57) pitches against the New York Yankees during the second inning in game two of the ALDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

With their primary goal for the offseason taken care of, the Cardinals looked to solidify their 2023 roster as they head to Spring Training. 

The Cardinals went into this offseason intending to get the best available catcher to replace legendary catcher Yadier Molina.

The team did that when they signed Willson Contreras to a five-year $87.5 million deal.

Many thought the Cardinals would be in the market for a top-of-the-line starting pitcher and help middle infield or in the outfield. John Mozeliak, president of baseball operations, seems to have opted to gamble on what he has in the fold.

As Spring Training fires up in the coming days, it will be interesting to see if Mozeliak does make some moves to bolster his outstanding roster to make it ready for a 2023 World Series championship.

What could fans expect from Mozeliak and the Cardinals?

The Cardinals should trade for Shane Bieber

Making a trade for Bieber would be a massive win for the Cardinals starting rotation.

Bieber was a Gold Glove-winning pitcher for the Guardians in 2022, watching him play alongside fellow Gold Glove winners Paul Goldschmidt, Brendan Donovan, Tommy Edman, and Nolan Arenado.

Bieber pitched 200 innings over 31 games, earning a 13-8 record with a 2.88 ERA and 198 strikeouts. Bieber will reach $10.01 million in 2023 and will have another year of arbitration before becoming a free agent in 2025. This could play well for John Mozeliak, Cardinals president of baseball operations, and the organization if they could convince him to stay with the team long-term.

Bieber would add stability to a team desperately needing some in their starting rotation. For now, the rotation includes Adam Wainwright, who will retire at the end of the season. Miles Mikolas is playing in the final season of his current contract with the Cardinals. Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty play in their last season of arbitration eligibility before entering free agency. Steven Matz, who dealt with injuries in 2022, is the only member of the rotation to be signed after the 2023 season.

Mozeliak should look into a trade for Bieber to bolster a rotation needing a jolt the strike-throwing innings eater could bring.

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