How would this infield be going into '26?

[rockondlouie]

Saggese
274 PA's
2 HR
.260 .304 .346 .650

And this is before teams have this winter to figure out he's weaknesses.

Utility player at best, no way you want him starting every day at 2nd base.

[riff raff]

Saggese
274 PA's
2 HR
.260 .304 .346 .650

And this is before teams have this winter to figure out he's weaknesses.

Utility player at best, no way you want him starting every day at 2nd base.

That's a rush to judgement on your part. Saggese is a developing player who has hit at every level.
He's played quite well of late, go ahead and look it up. Time will tell how good he may be.

[IndCard75]

I can see Wetherholt playing 3B and being the next George Brett and I can see Burly playing 1B and being the next Berkman but the problem is NTC. I don’t think it will be easy to trade NA or WC.
I can see Donovan being traded for prospects if NA and WC aren’t traded. If none of the above are traded then I see Noot traded and Donovan in LF. I look at Sagesse as a utility guy no more no less.
Jmo Bloom has his work cut out for him.

[imadangman]

I can see Wetherholt playing 3B and being the next George Brett and I can see Burly playing 1B and being the next Berkman but the problem is NTC. I don’t think it will be easy to trade NA or WC.
I can see Donovan being traded for prospects if NA and WC aren’t traded. If none of the above are traded then I see Noot traded and Donovan in LF. I look at Sagesse as a utility guy no more no less.
Jmo Bloom has his work cut out for him.

I could see Burleson being more like Mitch Moreland than Lance Berkman. You are right Bloom has a lot of work ahead, figuring out how to jig and rig this roster.

[Shady]

I can see Wetherholt playing 3B and being the next George Brett and I can see Burly playing 1B and being the next Berkman but the problem is NTC. I don’t think it will be easy to trade NA or WC.
I can see Donovan being traded for prospects if NA and WC aren’t traded. If none of the above are traded then I see Noot traded and Donovan in LF. I look at Sagesse as a utility guy no more no less.
Jmo Bloom has his work cut out for him.

"I can see Wetherholt playing 3B and being the next George Brett and I can see Burly playing 1B and being the next Berkman". That would be special, indeed. And Saggese will compete, favorably, for a starting infield job. But if he could add LF capability, utility might be his calling.

[blackinkbiz]

Wetherholt 3B, Winn SS, Saggese 2B and Burleson 1B. Assuming Contreras would waive his NTC to certain teams. And, hopefully, the Cardinals could get a decent starting pitcher in a trade for Contreras. Keep in mind, Contreras has an injury record and he's not getting any younger.

Has WC given any indication he’s waiving his NTC?

He's not only given no indication of waving, he's publicly stated "I like it here. I already won my ring in Chicago. I don't want to go anywhere. Don't trade me."

[Shady]

Wetherholt 3B, Winn SS, Saggese 2B and Burleson 1B. Assuming Contreras would waive his NTC to certain teams. And, hopefully, the Cardinals could get a decent starting pitcher in a trade for Contreras. Keep in mind, Contreras has an injury record and he's not getting any younger.

Has WC given any indication he’s waiving his NTC?

He's not only given no indication of waving, he's publicly stated "I like it here. I already won my ring in Chicago. I don't want to go anywhere. Don't trade me."

Contreras remaining with the Cardinals would be fine, too. It's just that it impedes the reset. Just like Arenado does.

[craviduce]

Wetherholt 3B, Winn SS, Saggese 2B and Burleson 1B. Assuming Contreras would waive his NTC to certain teams. And, hopefully, the Cardinals could get a decent starting pitcher in a trade for Contreras. Keep in mind, Contreras has an injury record and he's not getting any younger.

Has WC given any indication he’s waiving his NTC?

He's not only given no indication of waving, he's publicly stated "I like it here. I already won my ring in Chicago. I don't want to go anywhere. Don't trade me."

Contreras remaining with the Cardinals would be fine, too. It's just that it impedes the reset. Just like Arenado does.

It doesn't impede the reset, it only impedes your desires.

Cards don't care about your desires.

Don't confuse them.

[rockondlouie]

Contreras remaining with the Cardinals would be fine, too. It's just that it impedes the reset. Just like Arenado does.

Huh?

How does a solid hitter who's a better 1st baseman than Burly "impede the reset"?

He's not blocking a platoon player which is what Burly is (vs LHP: .233 .268 .330 .598).

[redbirdfan51]

Obviously we’re assuming Arenado moving on
so, without any other trades:
1B- Contreras
2B- Wetherholt
SS- Winn
3B- Gorman or Donovan

I like Saggese but to me he’s a utility man.
Of course Donovan could wind up in LF and who knows with Gorman.
I don’t see Contreras being dealt. NTC and with Arenado going you need Contreras in the lineup.

Though I do see Saggese as a starter, I think the Cards want Saggese as the number one utility man . He also serves as insurance if there is any injury to the IF. I believe he would get plenty of AB's in that role. The biggest question is who plays 3B if Nado is traded. Do the Cards feel comfortable with with Gorman at 3B? Would he platoon with Saggese? If not Gorman,maybe Donovan? It's pretty obvious the Cards want Wetherholt up with the big club starting somewhere on the IF. He has played primarily at SS and quite a bit at 2B, the latter is where I think he plays.

[Cusecards]

Obviously we’re assuming Arenado moving on
so, without any other trades:
1B- Contreras
2B- Wetherholt
SS- Winn
3B- Gorman or Donovan

I like Saggese but to me he’s a utility man.
Of course Donovan could wind up in LF and who knows with Gorman.
I don’t see Contreras being dealt. NTC and with Arenado going you need Contreras in the lineup.

Though I do see Saggese as a starter, I think the Cards want Saggese as the number one utility man . He also serves as insurance if there is any injury to the IF. I believe he would get plenty of AB's in that role. The biggest question is who plays 3B if Nado is traded. Do the Cards feel comfortable with with Gorman at 3B? Would he platoon with Saggese? If not Gorman,maybe Donovan? It's pretty obvious the Cards want Wetherholt up with the big club starting somewhere on the IF. He has played primarily at SS and quite a bit at 2B, the latter is where I think he plays.

Gorman will probably get the first shot at 3B?
Wetherholt at 2B.
Donovan to LF.
Herrera to DH.
Burleson left for RF.

That could leave them challenged on defense?
In my opinion we need to stop coddling Gorman.
2026 is his last chance. If he looks shaky on defense and can’t produce consistent contact at the plate move on from him!
Donovan to 3B.