For a year now, the St. Louis Cardinals have been stuck in the middle—81–81, flashes of promise, and too many reminders of a roster built for yesterday. New head of baseball operations Chaim Bloom wasn’t hired to protect the status quo. He was hired to reshape the identity of a franchise that has looked hesitant far too often.
The question that defines the Cardinals’ Winter Meetings is what do they do with the eight-time All-Star third baseman?
The front office has quietly shopped Arenado for more than 12 months. The market hasn’t met their price. But this may be the last offseason they can turn his pedigree into a meaningful return. If St. Louis is serious about getting younger, more athletic, and more dangerous, the clock is close to zero.
Here are the three moves that would prove they’re ready to evolve:
1. Resolve the Arenado decision
If Arenado stays, he has to be surrounded by winning pieces.
Packaging Arenado with a controllable starter could unlock a true middle-order bat or a future ace. What they can’t do is carry another year of awkward limbo.
Either way, they need to move him out of the lineup with young prospects like JJ Wetherholt needing at-bats.
If they can't trade him, the decision to cut ties may come in spring training.
2. Turn infield surplus into real pitching upgrades
Across the league, teams are calling nonstop about Brendan Donovan. He's versatile, disciplined, and affordable. The Cardinals love him. But if a trade is the path to October, he’s one of the chips that actually brings impact back.
With Miles Mikolas gone and Sonny Gray traded last winter, the Cardinals don’t have a single veteran who can guarantee innings.
The only way this team avoids another year of “maybe the kids hold up” is by importing stability.
3. Add one power bat who resets the lineup identity
The Cardinals haven’t replaced the swagger and intimidation factor this offense had at its best. The Cardinals need someone who gets big hits, particularly a corner outfielder with power, patience, and presence. Too many innings end quietly. One proven bat changes the equation immediately.
