St Louis Cardinals - Inside The Cardinals

Will the St. Louis Cardinals open the season without their biggest acquisition of the offseason?

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak felt the need to make a splash following a season in which the pitching staff just did not have enough firepower to contend. He did so by landing ace Sonny Gray -- with a three-year, $75 million investment. 

Fans have been excited to get a glimpse of the 34-year-old tasked with heading the rotation this upcoming season. Unfortunately, his status for Opening Day just came into question.

Gray left his second spring training appearance early due to a hamstring injury against the Washington Nationals on Monday afternoon. The veteran walked off the mound with a trainer four outs away from finishing his scheduled three-inning outing. 

The highly-touted newcomer will likely not know the severity of the injury for a day or two -- following testing and seeing how it feels when he wakes up tomorrow. If he has to be shut down, that almost certainly will force a stint on the injured list.

St. Louis faithful will have to hope it will only be a minor setback and that he does not have to restart his throwing progression. 

Gray allowed one hit and recorded a strikeout through 1 2/3 innings on Monday. He was cruising early on, facing the minimum of five batters prior to the injury and not allowing any hard contact.

More MLB: Tigers Claim Cardinals Utility Man To Bolster Position Player Depth

The St. Louis Cardinals will have a tough decision to make about one of the club's best players.

Cardinals superstar Paul Goldschmidt had a down year in 2023 -- like much of the organization -- but is poised for a bounce-back 2024 campaign.

The 2022 National League Most Valuable Player clubbed 25 home runs and drove in 80 runs last season even in a down year and should be able to contribute in a major way this season.

Goldschmidt will be a free agent at the end of the season so he likely is hoping for a strong season, as well. Both the Cardinals and Goldschmidt have made it known that they are interested in continuing their partnership but the two sides haven't come to terms on an extension yet.

The two sides have made it sound like they will let at least some of the season play out before going back to the negotiating table. While this is the case, the New York Post's Joel Sherman seems to think a deal ultimately will get done.

"Let’s state the obvious: A lot can happen between now and free agency," Sherman said. "If I were a betting man, I might, for example, wager that Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler and St. Louis’ Paul Goldschmidt do extensions before reaching free agency. Injuries and poor performance also can (and will) shake up the market. And there are plenty others, such as Max Fried, you can envision the New York teams vying for."

Sherman was speculating but it's interesting to see an insider of his caliber predicting the two sides will come together. It isn't too surprising as both sides have said all of the right things so far, but it should help give Cardinals fans hope.

More MLB: Cardinals Have 'Growing Concern' That Rising Star Will Miss Opening Day

One of the St. Louis Cardinals' top young players may not be ready for Opening Day.

Spring Training is in full swing and Opening Day will be here before we know it, but young Cardinals utility man Tommy Edman hasn't been able to be fully cleared yet.

Edman has been recovering from wrist surgery but hasn't been able to fully be cleared yet. It's been unclear if he would be ready for Opening Day but there was optimism. But, internal concern reportedly is growing in St. Louis, according to The Athletic's Katie Woo. 

"Edman continues to progress from the arthroscopic surgery he underwent in October to address an achy right wrist that plagued him for most of the 2023 season, but internal concern is growing that Edman won’t be ready for Opening Day," Woo said. "Edman has yet to be cleared to face live pitching, though he has been active in certain infield drills on the back fields. The current priority for the switch-hitting Edman is to even out his swing, as his left side is ahead of his right side. There’s also the matter of ensuring enough recovery between work days.

"But one look at the calendar will tell you the Cardinals are running out of runway should they want their starting center fielder cleared for Opening Day. The Cardinals have roughly three weeks of exhibition games remaining, and the team would prefer that Edman see game action before clearing him for regular-season play. There is no timetable for Edman to take live swings let alone being cleared for Grapefruit League play."

Edman is going to play a major role with St. Louis this season but this certainly is disappointing news. Hopefully, he can be fully cleared soon and not miss much time.

More MLB: Cardinals Reportedly Discussed Deal With Two-Time Gold Glove Award Winner But Moved On

The St. Louis Cardinals certainly have been busy since the end of the 2023 season.

It was an extremely disappointing season and the club responded with a flurry of additions. The starting rotation and bullpen were the club's biggest area of concern.

While this is the case, St. Louis has made other additions to add depth throughout the organization. The Cardinals recently signed three-time All-Star Brandon Crawford to help add middle infield depth.

St. Louis certainly needed it and Crawford was a solid pickup. It sounds like Crawford isn't the only player the Cardinals considered, though.

The Cardinals reportedly spoke to two-time Gold Glove Award Nick Ahmed but turned their attention elsewhere, according to USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale.

"That opportunity now belongs to Ahmed, who is battling with Marco Luciano, Casey Schmitt, and Tyler Fitzgerald for the starting shortstop job," Nightengale said. "He’s rejuvenated. Invigorated. And, has a Grand Canyon-sized chip on his shoulder. It was a rude awakening to sit around all winter and not get a single contract offer. He talked to the Cardinals as well but nothing ever materialized.

“The free-agency market, my agent and I weren’t expecting it to be that slow," Ahmed said as transcribed by Nightengale. “There was a pocket of guys, especially the middle infielders, that didn’t move at all until mid-February. That was kind of surprising."

Ahmed spent his entire 10-year big-league career with the Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the Giants this offseason. He struggled last season with Arizona and is looking to get back on track.

More MLB: Could Cardinals Sign Marquee Starter? Price Tag Surprisingly May Be In St. Louis' Range

The St. Louis Cardinals have boosted their starting rotation but more work could be done.

St. Louis added Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson to the starting rotation but there still are some solid hurlers out there. The Cardinals likely won't be handing out another large contract but with each passing day, the possible price tag of the remaining free agents possibly goes down.

The top remaining pitchers in free agency are Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. Both entered the offseason looking for massive deals but haven't gotten them. Both are represented by agent Scott Boras and some of his other top clients have started to take smaller deals.

Both Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman have taken smaller contracts with the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants which could be a sign that Montgomery and Snell will be taking smaller contracts soon as well. 

If either were to lower their expectations, St. Louis could make a lot of sense. Montgomery would make the most sense because he's already spent time with the Cardinals and will cost less than Snell.

St. Louis already is expected by many to finish atop the National League Central standings but landing someone like Montgomery would only solidify that position even further. 

The Cardinals still have plenty of money to spend and it seems like Montgomery or Snell's contracts could end up within the constraints of the club's budget. 

St. Louis likely is a playoff team with the current roster. But, landing someone like Montgomery or Snell could help make them contenders.

More MLB: Tigers Claim Cardinals Utility Man To Bolster Position Player Depth

The St. Louis Cardinals latest acquisition has plenty to prove this season, and not just with his new club.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak spent the vast majority of the offseason focused on revamping the pitching staff but recently made one intriguing addition to the team's position player depth -- a middle infielder with a lot to prove.

Newly acquired shortstop Brandon Crawford is a two-time World Series Champion, three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove Award winner and even has a Silver Slugger in his trophy case -- all with the San Francisco Giants. Despite this, Crawford was not welcomed back.

“The bottom line is I was not wanted back by the one person whose (opinion) matters,” Crawford told The Athletic's Andrew Baggarly, referring to Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi. “So I went with a team that gave me a major-league contract. The Cardinals have a long history and tradition. I’ve admired and respected the way the Cardinals have played throughout my career and the way the organization has been run."

The 13-year veteran hit .194 with 19 extra-base hits including seven home runs, 38 RBIs and a .587 OPS in 93 games last season. It was far from his typical production and San Francisco seemingly saw enough.

That said, he also was battling through multiple injuries throughout the season in an attempt to do everything he could to help the Giants' organization. He also continued to play stellar defense at a premium position throughout his offensive struggles.

Now Crawford will do everything he can to prove Zaidi wrong, and he'll do so in Cardinals red.

More MLB: Tigers Claim Cardinals Utility Man To Bolster Position Player Depth

Could the Chicago Cubs end up landing a former member of the St. Louis Cardinals before Opening Day?

It seems like a possibility. Former Cardinals pitcher Jordan Montgomery still is available in free agency despite an impressive 2023 season.

He was steady with St. Louis and then was even more solid after being traded to the Texas Rangers. Montgomery had a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts down the stretch with Texas and then shined in the postseason while helping lead the club to the World Series.

It's unclear where he will land, but one team that has popped up as one of the possible landing spots is the rival Cubs, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

"Though (Blake Snell) is willing to do short term with opt-outs, the consistent, durable Montgomery is looking long," Heyman said. "The (Boston Red Sox) held a Zoom call, but it feels like ownership is concentrating on golf, soccer, and hockey and expanding its sports empire.

"The Rangers RSN issue was resolved, but ownership incentive probably fell when they won the World Series (Montgomery helped there, ironically enough). The (New York Mets) have discussed it internally. The (New York Yankees) seem to prefer Snell. The (San Francisco Giants) could be in play if they don’t get Snell. Best guess: Rangers. Other guesses: Giants, Red Sox, Cubs, Mets, (New York Yankees)."

Whichever team ends up signing Montgomery certainly will be getting an upgrade for their rotation. He has been extremely steady over the last three seasons and also has stayed healthy.

Chicago arguably is the Cardinals' biggest threat in the National League Central division and if it could land Montgomery, it would just make things more difficult for St. Louis.

More MLB: Former MVP Could Be Intriguing Option For Cardinals To Provide More Veteran Leadership

The St. Louis Cardinals are less than a month away from Opening Day and will be looking to make last-second roster adjustments to increase their chances of bouncing back in 2024.

Not every player currently on the roster is going to survive spring training, which was the case on Thursday. 

A St. Louis Cardinals player who was recently designated for assignment to open up a roster spot has found a new landing spot.

"Roster News: infielder Buddy Kennedy has been claimed off of waivers by the Detroit Tigers" the club announced Thursday.

The Cardinals claimed Buddy Kennedy off waivers this winter from the Oakland Athletics but DFA'd him earlier this week to make room for the signing of four-time Gold Glove winner Brandon Crawford -- who is projected to aid rising star Masyn Winn as a backup shortstop and mentor.

Kennedy batted .307 with 37 extra-base hits including five home runs, 50 RBIs and a .887 OPS in 101 games played between Triple-A Reno and Las Vegas in 2023.

The 25-year-old played most of last season for the Arizona Diamondbacks' Triple-A Reno affiliate but was DFA'd towards the end of the season and claimed by Oakland -- where he played in 11 games for Triple-A Las Vegas.

The utility man predominately played third base but recorded a decent amount of innings at second base, left field and first base as well.

With little experience at the big league level -- having only logged 101 at-bats and a .206/.293/.299 slash line -- it's safe to say the Cardinals made the right move to swap Kennedy out for Crawford.

There is still a plethora of free agents available for the Cardinals to acquire before the first pitch is thrown. Will St. Louis continue to move players so they can open room for new talent?

More MLB: Orioles Reportedly Sign Ex-Cardinals Fan Favorite, Two-Time Gold Glove Winner

The St. Louis Cardinals have made a specific effort to improve veteran leadership throughout the organization. 

St. Louis had an extremely underwhelming 2023 season and is looking to make changes. The Cardinals improved the starting rotation and bullpen but also added more veteran depth like Matt Carpenter.

The club has talked about looking for more veteran leadership and there are still some options out there in free agency who could help. One player who could be an intriguing pickup is veteran first baseman Joey Votto. 

The six-time All-Star is looking to continue his playing career but hasn't been able to find his next opportunity yet.

St. Louis clearly is set at first base with superstar Paul Goldschmidt. But, it could never hurt to add more depth. Votto is a 17-year Big League veteran who has found great success. 

The 2010 National League Most Valuable Player appeared in 65 games last season with the Cincinnati Reds and clubbed 14 home runs, drove in 38 runs, and slashed .202/.314/.433.

St. Louis has a solid blend of veteran and up-and-coming talent. If the club could bring someone in like Votto he could provide depth at first base or designated hitter but possibly even more importantly help out with the young players.

Votto seemingly has been a great teammate throughout his career and has been one of the most consistent hitters in baseball over the last 20 years. He's 40 years old so he likely won't be playing for much longer. Why not give him a chance to add even more depth?

More MLB: Free Agent Star Reportedly Seeking Deal In Range That Possibly Makes Sense For Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are in a better spot right now but could another move make sense?

St. Louis significantly boosted its starting rotation by signing Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson early in free agency. The Cardinals likely are done adding with the 2024 season about to kick off, but another move could make sense. 

The Cardinals are expected to finish near the top of the National League Central standings and could even be back in the postseason in 2024. If the club could land another frontline starter, they could even be World Series contenders.

One of the top pitchers in baseball still is available in free agency. Two-time Cy Young Award Blake Snell still is looking for his next opportunity and was linked to the Cardinals at one point early in the offseason.

Snell has been looking for a massive deal but hasn't been able to get what he's looking for yet. It seems like things may be changing and now he may be open to a short-term deal like what Chicago Cubs star Cody Bellinger got, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

"Snell via his camp is believed to have recently suggested a willingness to be flexible and listen to short-term offers with opt-outs, much like the deal star outfielder Cody Bellinger made to return to the Cubs," Heyman said. Meantime, talks continue while spring training does, too."

St. Louis certainly doesn't want to hand out a massive, long-term deal. But, if Snell is open to a short-term deal with a high annual value, why not take a chance on him? He is the exact type of player that could help put the Cardinals over the top.

The Cardinals still have payroll flexibility. If Snell were to agree to a deal like Bellinger, he could help the Cardinals in 2024 and possibly go back into free agency at the end of the campaign. 

St. Louis is loaded with talent and should be much better in 2024. Landing someone like Snell would be a game-changer.

More MLB: Orioles Reportedly Sign Ex-Cardinals Fan Favorite, Two-Time Gold Glove Winner

The St. Louis Cardinals have been busy this offseason retooling their pitching staff and making other roster adjustments to ensure a successful 2024 season.

The latest signing of four-time Gold Glove infielder Brandon Crawford gave the Cardinals a backup to rising star Masyn Winn -- who is projected to be the starting shortstop come Opening Day.

The Cardinals have strong position-player depth so it's no surprise to see the club pass on a reunion with a former fan favorite.

"The (Baltimore) Orioles have agreed to terms on a minor league contract with infielder Kolten Wong, who will join the club in big-league camp," MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported Wednesday.

Wong hit .261 with 202 extra-base hits including 53 home runs, 281 RBIs and a .717 OPS throughout his eight-season career in St. Louis. The former St. Louis infielder earned back-to-back Gold Glove awards in his final two seasons playing for the Cardinals.

The 33-year-old signed with the Milwaukee Brewers following his tenure with St. Louis and then bounced around to the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers.

The veteran second baseman logged a .183/.256/.263 slash line in only 87 games played between his time with the Mariners and Dodgers in 2023 -- arguably the worst season of his career.

St. Louis infielder Nolan Gorman has the second base position locked up and the Cardinals have a plethora of backup options available -- including top prospect Thomas Saggese who could earn his debut if he continues to dominate.

The Cardinals don't need to be pursuing position players right now but they could benefit from adding another starting pitcher or high-leverage reliever -- although that is unlikely to occur at this point.

More MLB: Ex-Cardinals Star Reportedly Not Interested In Reunion Despite Seeking New Deal

If the St. Louis Cardinals can get off to a strong start this season, it wouldn't be surprising to see a trade or two in their future.

St. Louis significantly improved its starting rotation and bullpen this offseason and many expect them to finish at the top of the National League Central standings. 

The Cardinals specifically boosted the rotation by signing Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson. While they are in a better place, landing another front-of-the-rotation pitcher could be exactly what the club needs to truly compete for a World Series title.

St. Louis likely is done adding right now, but if it can get out to a strong start to the season, a deal around the trade deadline for a starter could make a lot of sense.

One player who could end up being traded is 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden. 

"Bieber will be a free agent after this season and there's been no traction between him and the (Cleveland Guardians) on a contract extension to this point," Bowden said. "Therefore, the Guardians will keep an open mind on any trade proposals they receive from teams between now and the trade deadline.

"Bieber has had injuries in two of the past three years and last season made just 21 starts, posting a 3.80 ERA in 128 innings. The Guardians believe he will have a lot more trade value if he gets off to a strong start, his stuff bounces back, and he stays healthy. I do think there's a shot they move him, but it's more likely to happen closer to the trade deadline."

Bieber has been in trade rumors since the 2023 season came to a close but hasn't been moved yet. If he's healthy, he could be the perfect deadline addition to help out down the stretch.

A trade for someone like Bieber likely would cost a lot so a move likely could only happen if St. Louis is near the top of the National League Central standings deep into the summer. 

St. Louis is loaded with talent but still seems to be a piece or two away from truly competing. 

More MLB: White Sox Superstar Predicted To Be Dealt At Trade Deadline To Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals' pitching staff underwent some major alterations this winter and will be looking to reverse the trajectory of last year's poor performance in 2024.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak successfully retooled the rotation by landing three veteran hurlers this offseason but left the door open to pursuing other rotation-bolstering opportunities.

Many St. Louis fans have been hoping for the return of a former star pitcher this offseason but it appears that a reunion is unlikely.

"Also, it doesn’t sound like (Jordan) Montgomery is interested in a return to St. Louis," The Athletic's Jim Bowden reported Tuesday.

The Cardinals have made efforts to bring back the dominant left-hander this offseason but with Opening Day less than a month away, those chances continue to decrease.

Montgomery posted a 10-11 record with a 3.20 ERA, 166-to-48 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .247 batting average against and 1.19 WHIP in 188 2/3 innings pitched between the Cardinals and Texas Rangers last season.

The 31-year-old's price tag skyrocketed after recording a 3-1 record with a 2.90 ERA and 17 strikeouts in six postseason appearances to help the Rangers win their first World Series. 

Montgomery's agent, Scott Boras -- who is notorious for holding out to land expensive contracts -- has been testing the market all winter to find a team that will pay top dollar for his client.

The possibility of reuniting with Montgomery if his price drops seems doubtful if he genuinely isn't interested in suiting up at Busch Stadium this upcoming season.

It'll be disappointing to see Montgomery sign elsewhere but hopefully, the latest additions to the rotation of Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson will prove to be enough for the Cardinals' 2024 campaign.

More MLB: White Sox Superstar Predicted To Be Dealt At Trade Deadline To Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are in a significantly better spot right now than they were at the end of the 2023 season.

The 2023 campaign was a disappointment, to say the least, and St. Louis dealt with a wide range of inconsistent play and injuries en route to one of its worst seasons in recent memory. St. Louis seems poised to turn things around, though. 

St. Louis' roster looks completely different and the club made a specific effort to improve the rotation and bullpen. There still has been speculation that the club could add another starter, but a move should be considered unlikely.

If the Cardinals can contend for a postseason spot, the club is more likely to look to deal for a starter ahead of the trade deadline rather than handing out another large contract now.

Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller took this idea into account when putting together a list of possible landing spots of the top trade candidates linked St. Louis to Chicago White Sox ace Dylan Cease in a possible major shakeup. 

"Baltimore has been one of the most frequently suggested landing spots for Cease, but the Cardinals might make the most sense here," Miller said. "Sonny Gray was a great pickup for St. Louis, but both the Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn 'one year plus a club option' deals feel like band-aid solutions that might not stick.

"The Cards do have two highly touted pitching prospects in the pipeline in Tink Hence and Tekoah Roby, but both of those 2020 draft picks are likely at least a year away from becoming legitimate options for the rotation."

Landing Cease would be a game-changer for St. Louis. The club's rotation is expected to be significantly better in 2024 and landing someone like Cease could help take it to the next level. 

If the Cardinals are near the top of the National League Central standings around the trade deadline, don't be surprised if more speculation comes.

More MLB: Cardinals' Elite Prospect Has Been 'Talk Of Camp' So Far After Stellar Start To Spring Training

St. Louis Cardinals fans should have hope right now.

The Cardinals are in a significantly better place right now after a disastrous 2023 season. St. Louis made some solid additions and is expected to finish at the top of the National League Central standings.

St. Louis has some great talent at the big league level, but also plenty of players to be excited about in the minor leagues. With Spring Training upon us, fans can get a closer look at the next generation of Cardinals players looking to work their way up to the big leagues.

One player who certainly has made the most of his opportunity so far and is the "talk of camp" is Cardinals' No. 4 prospect Victor Scott II, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold.

"As you can tell from the chat and the box scores, the early talk of camp has been Victor Scott II," Goold said. "He's got dynamic speed, and he plays an exciting style, so that makes sense. He's also showing how quickly he can advance from day to day, just by the challenges the Cardinals have given him on where he can improve. Thomas Saggese is in the mix for this conversation too. His bat has coaches talking, and it's made some noise in games too.

"Easy, strong bat, lively carry, good feel for the strike zone. Natural hitter. Ivan Herrera came in strong out of the Caribbean Series, and he's done well defensively in drills, and so on. Pedro Pages is rising with his feel for receiving, defense. Winn is still a rookie, but a lot has been said about him as well. Real interested in seeing Hjerpe in this game. He's scheduled to pitch, but has not yet appeared."

Scott was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft and quickly impressed. The 23-year-old appeared in 132 total games last season with the Double-A Springfield Cardinals and High-A Peoria Chiefs and hit nine home runs, 10 triples, 20 doubles, drove in 63 runs, and had an eye-popping 94 stolen bases. 

More MLB: Cardinals Not Ruled Out For Reunion With Postseason Star Pitcher

The St. Louis Cardinals are in an interesting spot heading into the 2024 season.

St. Louis had one of the worst seasons in recent memory in 2023 and responded in a major way by bolstering the starting rotation and bullpen. The Cardinals are in a better spot but rotation depth still is a big question.

The Cardinals added three hurlers to the rotation in Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson, and Lance Lynn but if injuries pop up, the club could be in trouble. One familiar face still is available and could make sense for St. Louis. 

Jordan Montgomery surprisingly still is available and is looking for his next opportunity. The big lefty shined with St. Louis but was traded to the Texas Rangers. He impressed with the Rangers as well and helped lead them to the World Series but hasn't gotten a deal to his liking.

If his price continues to drop, St. Louis could make some sense for him but would have competition for his services, according to St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold.

"I feel safe in saying that there are many teams -- well, multiple teams who would be interested in Montgomery if his price dropped," Goold said. "If he dropped to a spot where the Cardinals could no longer ignore his availability and enter the chat, well, then they'd be competing with other teams trying to convince him to sign, and either up goes the price or he'd have to want to be a Cardinal.

"It hurts Montgomery's market, apparently, that one of the teams that sure makes sense for him has not been spending much at all, and remains in limbo for the TV rights issue. That really seems to have shifted his market, from my vantage point."

Goold was asked by a fan if the Cardinals could land Montgomery and didn't rule out a possible move. St. Louis has been mentioned as a fit for the big lefty on multiple occasions but the only way a deal could get done is his the price tag isn't high. 

More MLB: Here's When Cardinals New Ace Sonny Gray Will Make Spring Training Debut

The St. Louis Cardinals offseason has been filled with pitching additions after a season in which both the rotation and bullpen lagged behind a potent position player group.

After months of focusing on rebuilding the pitching staff -- which included the additions of three starting pitchers and a pair of high-leverage relievers, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak reportedly has added some position player depth.

"The St. Louis Cardinals are signing three-time All-Star Brandon Crawford, league sources said," The Athletic's Katie Woo wrote Monday.

"Crawford, 37, is expected to serve as a backup shortstop behind 21-year-old rookie Masyn Winn while the team awaits further clarity on Tommy Edman’s recovery from wrist surgery," Woo continued. "The deal is pending a physical."

The homegrown former San Francisco Giants star hit .194 with 19 extra-base hits including seven home runs, 38 RBIs and a .587 OPS in 93 games last season. His offense has certainly taken a dip in recent years but he has a lifetime 97 OPS+ and a truly elite glove.

Crawford -- a four-time National League Gold Glove winner -- recorded six outs above average last season, placing him in the 90th percentile of defenders. Had he played a more regular role for the Giants last season, he would have been in contention for his fifth Gold Glove.

The veteran will be an important presence for Winn as the budding prospect aims to use his bazooka of an arm to become one of the best middle infielders in baseball.

The move also takes pressure off of Edman, who can focus on both rehabbing and becoming a near-full-time outfielder. 

More MLB: Here's When Cardinals New Ace Sonny Gray Will Make Spring Training Debut

The St. Louis Cardinals could use a little more depth in the middle infield.

St. Louis quickly has found out that it's thin on depth at shortstop in Spring Training. Young infielder Masyn Winn is expected to take over the club's shortstop spot full-time in 2024, but if he were to suffer an injury, the Cardinals could have an issue at least at the start of the season. 

Tommy Edman is an option to provide depth but he currently is working his way back after undergoing surgery on his wrist. 

St. Louis has been linked to a handful of possible options to provide more infield depth and one player the club reportedly is showing "strong interest" in is three-time All-Star Brandon Crawford, according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser.

"The San Francisco Giants signed veteran shortstop Nick Ahmed to a minor-league deal Monday in a move that was more about the subtext than the actual news," Slusser said. "Hopes of the team bringing back longtime shortstop Brandon Crawford, always slim, are now essentially dead.

"Crawford, at 37 three years older than Ahmed, is still talking to teams, according to sources. The Cardinals are among the teams looking for shortstop depth and they’re believed to have a strong interest in Crawford and a deal could come together quickly; there is also an AL West team in the mix."

The 37-year-old infielder struggled last season but could be a solid option to provide more depth and leadership in the Cardinals' clubhouse. Plus, after a down year, he likely wouldn't cost much at all. 

More MLB: Cardinals Potential Free-Agent Target Reportedly Signs Elsewhere

The St. Louis Cardinals have filled the biggest gaps in their roster this winter after retooling the rotation and adding some much-needed bullpen depth.

With Opening Day just a month away, it's doubtful to see the Cardinals make any major moves but some areas could use bolstering.

The shortstop position is currently being mulled over as St. Louis looks to find a viable backup option behind rising star Masyn Winn.

Unfortunately, a free agent whom the Cardinals were loosely linked to is off the market after reportedly signing with a National League foe.

"The (San Francisco) Giants have signed infielder Nick Ahmed to a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League spring training," the San Franciso Chronicle's Susan Slusser reported Monday.

Ahmed was recently mentioned as a potential option to help fill the aforementioned void on the Cardinals' roster.

The 33-year-old infielder is a two-time Gold Glove winner who logged .234/.288/.376 splits throughout his 10-year career with the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

The veteran shortstop's reputable defensive skills would have surely been a great option to help back Winn, who is still developing as a big leaguer.

The Cardinals will likely turn to their vast positional player catalog in the farm system to find a suitable backup shortstop -- while unlikely for Opening Day, Thomas Saggese could be a fixture on the Cardinals roster in the near future.

Utility man Tommy Edman -- who is expected to be the starting center fielder -- could also filter in as backup to allow players like Dylan Carlson or Alec Burleson to participate in the outfield. José Fermín could earn the nod as well.

Luckily, the Cardinals have a plethora of moves they could make within the organization to make it work if they are unable to land an external player to be the backup shortstop.

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One former member of the St. Louis Cardinals could end up finding a new home soon.

Former Cardinals pitcher Jordan Montgomery has been one of the most talked about free agents since the 2023 campaign came to an end. He has developed into one of the most dependable left-handed pitchers in the league over the last few seasons.

Montgomery has compiled an ERA under 4.00 in each of the last three seasons and has been able to stay healthy as well. St. Louis traded the big lefty to the Texas Rangers last season and he was an integral part of the club's rotation en route to the World Series. 

The 31-year-old entered the offseason looking for a massive contract but hasn't been able to find it yet. Spring Training now is here and it seems like his asking price also has dropped. He still is looking to find his next home and one club that reportedly has met with him recently is the Boston Red Sox, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.

"The Red Sox had a Zoom meeting with Jordan Montgomery recently," Olney said. "He’d represent an upgrade for their (2024 rotation), and if signed to a long-term deal, could be part of the staff rotation. They certainly have the payroll flexibility to make it happen."

Montgomery is one of the top free agents still available and it seems like he could end up signing soon. Boston has been linked to him on many occasions so it wouldn't be surprising if it ended up landing him.

St. Louis also has been mentioned as an option for a reunion, but a signing still should be considered unlikely at this point.

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