4 Cardinals post-deadline extension candidates not named Jack Flaherty

Paul Goldschmidt could be a post-deadline extension candidate

Goldschmidt doesn’t become a free agent until 2025, but if he can make it through this tumultuous season, he should be rewarded with a contract extension.

Goldschmidt has been mentioned as a possible trade chip in some interesting prognostications during this lead-up to the deadline. Mozeliak and the company have not intended to trade Goldschmidt, who also has a no-trade clause.

Goldschmidt has endeared himself to Cardinals fans as the reigning NL MVP, an All-Star and Gold Glove-caliber defender, and a bat that has already hit 18 home runs, 21 doubles, 64 runs, and 55 RBI. He has become a quiet clubhouse leader with Nolan Arenado since the departure of Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols.

If Goldschmidt or Arenado were to leave at the trade deadline, it would signal the Cardinals are not just retooling for 2024 and beyond. Arenado is locked up through the 2027 season. While both have no-trade clauses, a move of these two would signal a full rebuild, which is something Mozeliak doesn’t want to project.

Once this trade deadline is complete, the Cardinals should extend Goldschmidt and reward him for his strong leadership and MVP-caliber play.