Everything about St. Louis shows that the Cardinal is the main pivot of the franchise. They entered a period of rebuilding for years as they focused on player development rather than short-term scramble. It’s been about a year, but all signs are that the club will work harder in this direction. Katie Woo’s Sports Report reports that ownership will now be more willing to eat money in the transaction to withdraw more returns.
The report coincides with comments from this week’s president of baseball business Chaim Bloom. “It should definitely not be out of the way when it comes to cash on trade,” he said. “Obviously, you hope not to do that, but it makes sense that you might end up in a situation where you increase your cash to make your preferred trading job.”
The franchise seems to be consistent between Bloom’s comments and Woo’s coverage of ownership. This can only increase the feeling that high-paying players like Nolan Arenado and Sonny Gray It is more likely to be moved during the offseason than last winter.
A year ago, the cards clearly showed that they had begun this reset period. Initially, this made like Arenado, Gray and Willson Contreras Probably a logical trade candidate. But Gray and Contreras quickly said they wanted to stay in St. Louis. Arenado is more open to trades, but he thinks the list of five clubs he considers acceptable landing sites narrow and ends up not making a deal.
Now, the club’s rebuilding plan seems to be stronger, and both Arenado and Gray have publicly expressed their willingness to give up their willingness to have no trade clauses this time. Contreras seems less interested in leaving, but does not completely interrupt the possibility.
It’s a good start for the Cardinals, but eating money will help get the deal done. Gray is still a good pitcher, just finished a solid season and still got a mid-range despite the mid-range. Although he allowed 4.28 runs per 9 innings in 180 2/3 innings, his average hit rate of 0.329 in the game may be a bit exaggerated. His strikeout rate of 26.7%, 5% walking rate and 43.9% ground ball rate were all strong. ERA estimators like his 3.39 FIP and 3.29 Siera show that he is older than the times themselves have pointed out.
Even if the club is willing to ignore this era, contracts are an obstacle. His three-year deal with Cardinal, the $75mm deal was loaded vigorously. He made only 10mm in 2024 and 25mm this year. He will then make 35mm next year and then make a 5mm acquisition on the $30mm club option. If you select this option, gray can be selected to exit.
At this point, the deal has a guaranteed season left, but there are still 40mm payments to be paid. Due to opt-out, this option doesn’t really add any extra upside. Despite Gray’s talent, a year-round pitcher, $40mm is a lot. ACE-type pitchers retain this average annual value. Even if it’s a reasonable price for Grey’s services, eating more money to withdraw more prospect capital is a smart strategy for clubs that focus on long-term focus.
Arenado will make 27mm next year, although the Rockies are paying $5mm for 5mm and a 6mm extension. He will then make 15mm in 2027. The price is less than $20mm per year, but after a few tough years on the plate, his stock fell. He has a WRC+ of 84 this year, and in the first two campaigns, he has a WRC+ of 84, less than the league average. His gloves still achieved good results, but are not his former MVP candidate.
Other teams will have different valuations of what he expects of him, but as Gray mentioned, whatever money the Cardinal is willing to eat should increase what the team is willing to give up.
As mentioned, with Contreras, an industry seems smaller, but it may happen even before considering the money. He still owe $41.5mm for the next two years. This is next year’s salary of 18mm, 18.5mm in 2027, and then a 5mm acquisition was purchased during the $17.5mm club in 2028.
He has moved from catcher position to first base. He got a decent glove there this year, earning a six-out-of-average reputation, while the defensive score saved, leaving him just below -1. The Bat is still strong as he hit .257/.344/.447 this year with a 124 WRC+. These numbers are close to his career markup, where he has a .258/.352/.459 batting line and 122 WRC+.
Although he entered the 34-year-old season, the deal was pretty good. Christian Walker In the three years from Astros entering his 34-year-old campaign, he just earned $60mm of 60mm. But even if the Contreras transaction is not underwater, other teams may not give up too much unless they are paid by the card.
Last winter, the cards seemed to be more rewarded with paychecks. When they traded with Astros, Arenado still owed about 60mm for three years. Arenado vetoed the deal, but reports suggest that the cards will only eat about 5 mm per quarter, while the Astronaut’s hook is about 45 mm. It is not clear what these cards will get in that deal, but it could be a paycheck deal. Cardinal Chairman Bill Dewitt Jr.
According to the lineup, the Cardinals’ salary in 2025 is 144mm. Thanks to some deals and some contracts that are due, the price is expected to be only 75mm next year. Such as the player’s arbitration salary Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar That could be pushed, but these players themselves are candidates to trade this winter. Perhaps the lighter payroll is the road open for cards, i.e. this time, reducing the worry for cost savings, which may increase their chances of adding meaning to young talent in the pipeline.
However, there will be non-payment expenses. Woo reports that the club is planning to make more investments in the areas of analysis, player development and reconnaissance. There is also some uncertainty about the club’s TV deal. The cards have reached a new deal with Main Street Sports (formerly known as Diamond Sports Group) to be on the Fanduel Sports Network in 2025. She said no major restructuring is expected, but some renegotiations may take place.
Image courtesy of Isaiah J. Downing, Imagn Image
