The St. Louis Cardinals are unlikely to make any significant financial commitments this offseason. The team has already signaled that it intends to use this period as a “reset.” Most discussions surrounding the Cardinals have focused on potential departures rather than any notable additions to the roster.
If the Cardinals aim to contend in 2025, there are players available who could help them remain competitive. However, with 2024 shaping up as a transitional year and Chaim Bloom set to take over as president of baseball operations after the 2025 season, it’s unlikely the team will commit to any blockbuster deals before then.
Despite this, Mike Puma of the New York Post unexpectedly identified the Cardinals as a potential landing spot for New York Mets star Pete Alonso, a four-time All-Star. Puma noted that Paul Goldschmidt left via free agency, signing a one-year, $12.5 million deal with the New York Yankees. While Alonso could fill the void, Puma questioned whether the Cardinals would spend big this offseason, especially considering Alonso’s projected market value of $174 million over six years.
Goldschmidt’s five-year, $130 million contract signed in 2020 remains one of the largest deals for a first baseman in recent years. Currently, Alec Burleson is positioned to take over first base for St. Louis. Burleson, a left-handed batter with a .734 OPS last season, has some experience at the position.
Though acquiring Alonso would boost the lineup, the Cardinals have already announced that Willson Contreras will transition to first base in 2025. Given Alonso’s high price tag, a move for him doesn’t appear to align with the team’s current plans.
