Could we sell but still compete this year?

[dugoutrex]

the better question is ... can we win 70 games?

[Talkin' Baseball]

the better question is ... can we win 70 games?

The Cardinals could very well have half a dozen meaningful transactions in the next 60 days. It's way too early to talk about all we is and all we ain't.

[Cranny]

the better question is ... can we win 70 games?

The Cardinals could very well have half a dozen meaningful transactions in the next 60 days. It's way too early to talk about all we is and all we ain't.

Exactly. "Rex" needs to take note of this.

[Punkk6]

Some of you have not listened to what the front office has been saying for at least the last year.
Exactly what does competing mean ? Will they lost 120 games ? probably not, will they win 80 games ? Probably not
Ownership seems certain a big chunk of the 2027 season will not be played.

[Talkin' Baseball]

the better question is ... can we win 70 games?

The Cardinals could very well have half a dozen meaningful transactions in the next 60 days. It's way too early to talk about all we is and all we ain't.

Exactly. "Rex" needs to take note of this.

Keep in mind that those transactions could also cause us to be less competitive next season. We just don't know yet.

[dugoutrex]

each deal will make us LESS competitive next year

[NYCardsFan]

the better question is ... can we win 70 games?

The Cardinals could very well have half a dozen meaningful transactions in the next 60 days. It's way too early to talk about all we is and all we ain't.

Exactly. "Rex" needs to take note of this.

Keep in mind that those transactions could also cause us to be less competitive next season. We just don't know yet.

Very true. With trades of Gray (4 fWAR), Donovan (3), Contreras (2), and Arenado (2), that’s a potential 11 gross fWAR (per FG’s 2026 projections) going out the door, with the Cardinals likely seeking mostly minor league talent in return. I’d be surprised if they attempt to acquire any meaningful number of wins in free agency. They’re probably going to lean heavily on hoped-for internal improvements for offsets on the other side of the ledger.

[Ozziesfan41]

the better question is ... can we win 70 games?

The Cardinals could very well have half a dozen meaningful transactions in the next 60 days. It's way too early to talk about all we is and all we ain't.

Exactly. "Rex" needs to take note of this.

Keep in mind that those transactions could also cause us to be less competitive next season. We just don't know yet.

Very true. With trades of Gray (4 fWAR), Donovan (3), Contreras (2), and Arenado (2), that’s a potential 11 gross fWAR (per FG’s 2026 projections) going out the door, with the Cardinals likely seeking mostly minor league talent in return. I’d be surprised if they attempt to acquire any meaningful number of wins in free agency. They’re probably going to lean heavily on hoped-for internal improvements for offsets on the other side of the ledger.

Bloom will sign at least one starting pitcher for the rotation

[ecleme22]

Yes

[Cusecards]

the better question is ... can we win 70 games?

Good stuff from you per usual. LOL

[NYCardsFan]

the better question is ... can we win 70 games?

The Cardinals could very well have half a dozen meaningful transactions in the next 60 days. It's way too early to talk about all we is and all we ain't.

Exactly. "Rex" needs to take note of this.

Keep in mind that those transactions could also cause us to be less competitive next season. We just don't know yet.

Very true. With trades of Gray (4 fWAR), Donovan (3), Contreras (2), and Arenado (2), that’s a potential 11 gross fWAR (per FG’s 2026 projections) going out the door, with the Cardinals likely seeking mostly minor league talent in return. I’d be surprised if they attempt to acquire any meaningful number of wins in free agency. They’re probably going to lean heavily on hoped-for internal improvements for offsets on the other side of the ledger.

Bloom will sign at least one starting pitcher for the rotation

Given the significant number of innings they have to fill, I suspect you’re right about that. But I think it’s more likely to be an innings-eater, which is not going to add back much WAR—in other words, it will serve a purpose, but that primary purpose won’t be winning per se. Probably a Gibson/Mikolas-type, though I doubt they’ll sign Mikolas specifically.

[Quincy Varnish]

we're actively trying to not to compete. But that doesn't stop the team you put on the field from winning it's fair share of games. If they win, then that's great....but stay the course. Set yourself up with a plethora of prospects so you can put together a sustainable competitor starting maybe in 2027, but definitely in 2028.

It seems not many here are ready to accept this.

[greyhawk]

The likelihood is slim but what could it look like?

Say we continue with trading Donovan, Arenado, Nootbaar, and Pages

Trade Donovan to the Dodgers for Sheehan. Sheehan is a top of the rotation pitcher

Nootbaar, Arenado and Pages to the Phillies for little return if Phillies take all or most of Arenado's contract. If we retain could get a top 10 pick.


Sign Michael King for 3/75m with opt outs. Front load it with 30m in the first year. If he pitches well and opts out the Cards get the draft pick back and a higher pick too. If he doesn't opt out we can keep him or trade him but the aav will be lower.

Sign Bo Bichette 7/200m. Play him at 2nd base. He had a major bounce back season and there are really no red flags to suggest it was a fluke.

Our payroll would still be well below what Dewitt normally spends even if we have to retain some on Arenado. Giving up two picks hurts but we have an extra CB pick coming this year.

Rotation

King
Sheehan
Liberatore
McGreevy
Fitts/Leahy

Very solid rotation and one of the best in baseball if King puts up 2024 like numbers.

BP
Swanson(cl)
Romero
O'Brien
Pallante
Graceffo
Blewitt
Raquet
Fitts/Leahy

Iffy BP but the Cardinals always seem to have a good BP somehow


Bichette
Wetherholt
Contreras
Burleson
Herrera
Gorman(DH)
Walker
Winn
Scott

The bottom four is weak but could improve but that top 5 would be all .800+OPS guys. Very good lineup.

Yes, we could compete this year, and it would be expensive, and we would probably lurk near the wild card and have a middle of the pack draft slot and not want to trade MLB assets to stock the farm, and we’d be stuck in the middle again.

Where's BD???? He teed you up!!!

i don't know why i came here tonight... got that feeling it just aint right

[Mort Gage]

Sorry fans, no nine figure FA deals for the Cards this year. Quintana gave the Brewers 131 competent innings for 4.25mm. A team like the Cards may need to sweeten that a bit to get him to pitch for a non-contender. That's the bin they likely shop this winter.