Three things the Cardinals must do if they are truly rebuilding
The Cardinals have indicated that they intend to rebuild, even though they aren’t openly admitting it, after finishing 2024 with an 83-79 record. Thus, they might decide to let go of some of their expensive, seasoned players.
Consider Steven Matz, Miles Mikolas, Sonny Grey, Nolan Arenado, Willson Contreras, and Steven Matz; however, trading the latter two will be more difficult due to their problems. Unfortunately, until the Cardinals return to being a contender, it might take some time.
But these three things must also be done by the Cardinals if they decide to go in this way and move some players.
Trade Ryan Helsley
It seems apparent to me. With a 2.04 ERA, a franchise-high 49 saves, and an All-Star nomination for the second time, Helsley just had the finest season of his career. His value will be quite high, and his contract is about to expire.
That was a mistake, in my opinion, for the Cardinals not to trade him. This year, they ought to have sold. However, over the offseason, they should and can fix this error. Particularly with arbitration, his pay will only increase. He probably won’t be able to stay in St. Louis past 2025 anyhow.
Thus, it makes logical to take advantage of his current value. The Cardinals have my full interest in acquiring him.
Make Ivan Herrera the starting catcher
In order to be clear, I am not attempting to disparage Pedro Pages in any manner before we move on to the following topic. This year, he played with a lot of potential and had a strong defence.
But Ivan Herrera has to be the Cardinals’ top priority. Indeed, he needs to improve his defence since it falls short of what Pages offers. He is, however, a significantly better hitter. This year, he did nothing but hit whenever he had the opportunity.
He has the entire offseason to hone his defensive skills, and if Contreras is traded—which I believe is likely—there’s no reason to believe he can’t do so and assume the starting position. From 2023 until, Contreras personally enhanced his defence.
More playing time for Thomas Saggese and Luken Baker
If the Cardinals are genuinely dedicated to rebuilding, I would like to see Thomas Saggese and Luken Baker play more frequently, even though they both have space to grow. After writing a piece about how happy I was that the Cardinals were playing Saggese every day, they temporarily ceased doing so.
He can play all four infield positions, and his bat is becoming better. In the event that Arenado is dealt, he might be able to move up to second base or possibly third base.
Regarding Baker, I thought what I saw when he had the chance was excellent. With his right-handed power, he may be Paul Goldschmidt’s heir apparent, though Goldschmidt will probably be traded this offseason.
The young players must take advantage of every chance to play, even if it means losing, if the Cardinals are to fall out of the race. It’s a fantastic time for guys like Saggese and Baker to develop into the kinds of players they were destined to be because next year won’t be the year the Cardinals return to the World Series.
