"The Cardinals' offseason is focused mostly on the players they're trading away. and Willson Contreras have already been shipped out, and it's possible that each of Brendan Donovan, Nolan Arenado and JoJo Romero will also find themselves on the move. That doesn't mean they won't make some short-term pickups. They've added on a $12.5MM deal in the rotation, and president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom identified a profile they're pursuing on the position player side."
"Bloom told reporters that the Cardinals would like to add an outfielder, ideally one who brings right-handed power (links via John Denton of MLB.com and Derrick Goold of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch). That's an indirect consequence of the Contreras trade. Alec Burleson only made 38 starts at first base this past season. That's likely to rise in 2026, as Bloom implied that Burleson could replace Contreras as the primary first baseman. Burleson made 72 starts in the corner outfield and 18 at designated hitter."
"St. Louis has Lars Nootbaar and Jordan Walker as their projected corner outfield tandem. Nootbaar is down to two years of arbitration control and could be traded this offseason. Walker was a well below replacement level performer in 2025 and still has a minor league option remaining. A righty corner bat could also spell lefty hitters Burleson and Iván Herrera at first base and designated hitter, respectively."
Cardinals' offseason activity centers on trading established players while seeking selective short-term additions. Willson Contreras has been traded and other veterans may be moved, creating lineup and positional openings. The team aims to add a corner outfielder who supplies right-handed power to balance lefty-heavy options and to provide depth at first base and designated hitter. Alec Burleson is projected to receive more starts at first base in 2026 and could replace Contreras as the primary first baseman. The club may pursue one-year free-agent deals for players like Miguel Andújar or Austin Hays and consider switch-hitting utility options.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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