Top 40 Trade Candidates

[renostl]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

So because some on here pay attention and understand what is being reported, we are stupid? Believing this organization will spend big when they repeatedly say they won't, is about as stupid as it gets.

Any link to that 3-5 year timeline?
There's room between improving a roster and making major FA acquisitions.

He said "compete" and "no short cuts" at his press conference introduction. Again if it's WS are bust versus trying to make the playoffs
that word means different things to different fans.
What's 2026 payroll and what does it have to be in order to be considered attempting to compete?

Setting a flat dollar payroll amount as the basis for competing isn't the way to look at it. This team needs a big impact bat, a top of the rotation starter, and at least one other starting pitcher. Getting that through free agency will push the payroll past what analysts are projecting the Cardinals to do. Projections are around $100 million tops. It'll take more to acquire what they need.

I'll agree with what they need.

I don't know if analyst know what the payroll will be. I have a guess as well as theirs that says it will
be similar to 2025 +/-. Even that is not everything since FA isn't the only way to get some of what is needed.

Trading Gray and Contreras could help free up some money. If StL isn't eating a large portion of the contracts.

True.
I'd expect eating half of NA, Saves about $19 million.
Pay about $15 of Grays if Dealt saves about $25 million.
Zero in WC easily wrong, used to it this week.
plus the pitchers that are gone in Fedde, Hels, Miles, and Matz.
Then there are some raises due. Still that's room to maneuver if trades can find fruit.

[JuanAgosto]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

So because some on here pay attention and understand what is being reported, we are stupid? Believing this organization will spend big when they repeatedly say they won't, is about as stupid as it gets.

Any link to that 3-5 year timeline?
There's room between improving a roster and making major FA acquisitions.

He said "compete" and "no short cuts" at his press conference introduction. Again if it's WS are bust versus trying to make the playoffs
that word means different things to different fans.
What's 2026 payroll and what does it have to be in order to be considered attempting to compete?

Setting a flat dollar payroll amount as the basis for competing isn't the way to look at it. This team needs a big impact bat, a top of the rotation starter, and at least one other starting pitcher. Getting that through free agency will push the payroll past what analysts are projecting the Cardinals to do. Projections are around $100 million tops. It'll take more to acquire what they need.

I'll agree with what they need.

I don't know if analyst know what the payroll will be. I have a guess as well as theirs that says it will
be similar to 2025 +/-. Even that is not everything since FA isn't the only way to get some of what is needed.

Trading Gray and Contreras could help free up some money. If StL isn't eating a large portion of the contracts.

True.
I'd expect eating half of NA, Saves about $19 million.
Pay about $15 of Grays if Dealt saves about $25 million.
Zero in WC easily wrong, used to it this week.
plus the pitchers that are gone in Fedde, Hels, Miles, and Matz.
Then there are some raises due. Still that's room to maneuver if trades can find fruit.

You may be close on Gray and Arenado saved $. I dont think they trade Contreras this winter. Bloom needs to add 2 starting pitchers. Hopefully one through trade and one free agent. The free agent pitcher will eat a big chunk of the Gray/Arenado money. I would like a solid RH bat added (even if its a bench option).

[CCard]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

The organization has said over and over it is not increasing payroll. 2026 is another rebuild. They are not making any major signings. It'll be one cost effective starting pitcher and maybe a reliever. They are not signing any major player that puts them in contention. THEY ARE FOCUSING ON BUILDING FROM WITHIN.

If you expect major changes this winter, you'll be very disappointed. But go ahead and wait for it.

That building from within worked back before free agency, it doesn't work now. The days of stacking a bunch of talent in the minors to languish are gone. Rule 5 drafts and minor league free agents have changed the game. They still have players under their thumbs some, but arbitration has alleviated much of that. That's why the cry poor crowd makes no sense. You play the game to try to win. If you don't then what's the purpose? Even if by some miracle you manage to pull off your pie in the sky juggernaut of young cost controlled superstars, you're still going to have to pay them through arbitration. And if you won't pay them through that or free agency they will be gone and you'll be doing the same thing all over again. LOL....3 to 5 years at a time.

I dont disagree with your opinion of trying to win. But to answer your question of why not try, its all about money. A cheap roster allows for revenue even if ticket sales and attendance drops.

As for the 3 to 5 year windows, just look at Tampa Bay. That's the strategy they've used. And Bloom knows it well.

Did Tampa Bay win something?

Tampa made a World Series appearance in the last 5 years. StL hasn't been close.

Im not saying its a strategy i agree with. But it's more likely to be what Bloom follows compared to spending on big free agents this winter.

As long as they spend enough to be competitive. That's all that most serious fans would ask for and expect. This cutting a team to the bone for some pot of gold down the road is laughable. I don't expect Bloom to perform miracles. Teams that spend win year in and year out.

[Carp4Cy]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

agreed...taking big contracts or players owed a bit of money each year, that's not part of the business plan the next few seasons.

Prospects, Lottery Tickets, and maybe some draft picks....

You can't trade for draft picks in baseball. You can however trade for someone who will be a FA in 1 or 2 years and is guaranteed to turn down a QO, then worst case, if we can't extend them we get a valuable comp pick. Maybe that should be part of our strategy.

[craviduce]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

agreed...taking big contracts or players owed a bit of money each year, that's not part of the business plan the next few seasons.

Prospects, Lottery Tickets, and maybe some draft picks....

You can't trade for draft picks in baseball. You can however trade for someone who will be a FA in 1 or 2 years and is guaranteed to turn down a QO, then worst case, if we can't extend them we get a valuable comp pick. Maybe that should be part of our strategy.

oh, you sweet summer child

Competitive Balance Picks...you can trade those. Cincy and Dodgers did one of the most recent trades last winter. 41st pick in 2025 draft : Gavin Lux went to Cincy for the 41st pick (it was Cincy's competitive balance A pick).

[WaltsSuccessor]

The Cardinals have Donovan at #3, Gray at #5, Romero at #27, Gorman at #30, Arenado at #34 and Contreras at #35. They could obviously trade other players that maybe rank higher, but these are the players that are deemed most likely to be traded, or at least attempted to be traded.
#1 and #2 on the list are Mackenzie Gore and Joe Ryan. Both pitchers would greatly improve the Cardinals, but doubtful that they have the prospects to get a deal done. Mitch Keller, and Pablo Lopez are #’s 4 and 6, but again these teams are looking for prospects.
Sandy Alcantara is #10 and a possibility. Kyle Freeland is #21, might not cost much in prospects, but is he an improvement?
Edward Cabrera is #39. He pitched the most innings hes thrown in awhile. He’s an injury risk and Miami will what a lot in return.
#40 is Tarik Skubal, the whole world will want him, so it will be a huge bidding war in prospects, and talent.
Those are the pitchers that the Cardinals could have interest in. I’m not sure a see any good matches other than maybe the Miami pitchers. Possibly the Twins, who are also rebuilding and cutting payroll, but do the Cardinals have enough prospects to give or are willing to give in order to get a deal done?
Hitting wise:
Jarren Duran is #12 and Wilyer Abreu is #13, both with the Red Sox. Several of Boston’s best prospects are also an outfielders.
Taylor Ward and Joe Adell, both with the Angels come in at #15, and #16. Both players had 97 RBI’s, and hit over 30 homers, but hit for low average and high in K’s. Either one would be the right hand hitting outfielder the Cardinals need.
Alec Bohm is #20, and Nick Castellanos #33 are with Phillies.
These are all established players, so will the Cardinals be in the market for any of these guys?
I like Gore, but he’s left handed and most of our pitching prospects are as well. I also like Ward or Adell. Ward is more of a sure thing but more expensive.
Thoughts?

If the Cards trade all/most of these guys, they'll need to go into FA to find some low-cost one year guys to fill out the roster. They don't have the AAA depth to plug all the holes internally. We should start brainstorming targets for fun. The rotation and BP have a bunch of holes/question marks already.

[JuanAgosto]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

The organization has said over and over it is not increasing payroll. 2026 is another rebuild. They are not making any major signings. It'll be one cost effective starting pitcher and maybe a reliever. They are not signing any major player that puts them in contention. THEY ARE FOCUSING ON BUILDING FROM WITHIN.

If you expect major changes this winter, you'll be very disappointed. But go ahead and wait for it.

That building from within worked back before free agency, it doesn't work now. The days of stacking a bunch of talent in the minors to languish are gone. Rule 5 drafts and minor league free agents have changed the game. They still have players under their thumbs some, but arbitration has alleviated much of that. That's why the cry poor crowd makes no sense. You play the game to try to win. If you don't then what's the purpose? Even if by some miracle you manage to pull off your pie in the sky juggernaut of young cost controlled superstars, you're still going to have to pay them through arbitration. And if you won't pay them through that or free agency they will be gone and you'll be doing the same thing all over again. LOL....3 to 5 years at a time.

I dont disagree with your opinion of trying to win. But to answer your question of why not try, its all about money. A cheap roster allows for revenue even if ticket sales and attendance drops.

As for the 3 to 5 year windows, just look at Tampa Bay. That's the strategy they've used. And Bloom knows it well.

Did Tampa Bay win something?

Tampa made a World Series appearance in the last 5 years. StL hasn't been close.

Im not saying its a strategy i agree with. But it's more likely to be what Bloom follows compared to spending on big free agents this winter.

As long as they spend enough to be competitive. That's all that most serious fans would ask for and expect. This cutting a team to the bone for some pot of gold down the road is laughable. I don't expect Bloom to perform miracles. Teams that spend win year in and year out.

If BDW allows Bloom to sign one GOOD starting pitcher and either a reliever or quality bench bat, I'll be satisfied. I think Bloom adds a starting pitcher through trade as well. If he was to acquire this and a RH power bat, I'd be ecstatic!

[CCard]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

The organization has said over and over it is not increasing payroll. 2026 is another rebuild. They are not making any major signings. It'll be one cost effective starting pitcher and maybe a reliever. They are not signing any major player that puts them in contention. THEY ARE FOCUSING ON BUILDING FROM WITHIN.

If you expect major changes this winter, you'll be very disappointed. But go ahead and wait for it.

That building from within worked back before free agency, it doesn't work now. The days of stacking a bunch of talent in the minors to languish are gone. Rule 5 drafts and minor league free agents have changed the game. They still have players under their thumbs some, but arbitration has alleviated much of that. That's why the cry poor crowd makes no sense. You play the game to try to win. If you don't then what's the purpose? Even if by some miracle you manage to pull off your pie in the sky juggernaut of young cost controlled superstars, you're still going to have to pay them through arbitration. And if you won't pay them through that or free agency they will be gone and you'll be doing the same thing all over again. LOL....3 to 5 years at a time.

I dont disagree with your opinion of trying to win. But to answer your question of why not try, its all about money. A cheap roster allows for revenue even if ticket sales and attendance drops.

As for the 3 to 5 year windows, just look at Tampa Bay. That's the strategy they've used. And Bloom knows it well.

Did Tampa Bay win something?

Tampa made a World Series appearance in the last 5 years. StL hasn't been close.

Im not saying its a strategy i agree with. But it's more likely to be what Bloom follows compared to spending on big free agents this winter.

As long as they spend enough to be competitive. That's all that most serious fans would ask for and expect. This cutting a team to the bone for some pot of gold down the road is laughable. I don't expect Bloom to perform miracles. Teams that spend win year in and year out.

If BDW allows Bloom to sign one GOOD starting pitcher and either a reliever or quality bench bat, I'll be satisfied. I think Bloom adds a starting pitcher through trade as well. If he was to acquire this and a RH power bat, I'd be ecstatic!

That's good with me pretty well. But not if they get rid of Gray. They need that 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. And they absolutely need a proven rbi guy that doesn't strike out a ton. That and some upgrade of the bullpen would give fans some hope and they might actually show up if there's a legit chance to make the playoffs. If they would target the payroll around 180 to 200 million it would probably get that done.

[JuanAgosto]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

The organization has said over and over it is not increasing payroll. 2026 is another rebuild. They are not making any major signings. It'll be one cost effective starting pitcher and maybe a reliever. They are not signing any major player that puts them in contention. THEY ARE FOCUSING ON BUILDING FROM WITHIN.

If you expect major changes this winter, you'll be very disappointed. But go ahead and wait for it.

That building from within worked back before free agency, it doesn't work now. The days of stacking a bunch of talent in the minors to languish are gone. Rule 5 drafts and minor league free agents have changed the game. They still have players under their thumbs some, but arbitration has alleviated much of that. That's why the cry poor crowd makes no sense. You play the game to try to win. If you don't then what's the purpose? Even if by some miracle you manage to pull off your pie in the sky juggernaut of young cost controlled superstars, you're still going to have to pay them through arbitration. And if you won't pay them through that or free agency they will be gone and you'll be doing the same thing all over again. LOL....3 to 5 years at a time.

I dont disagree with your opinion of trying to win. But to answer your question of why not try, its all about money. A cheap roster allows for revenue even if ticket sales and attendance drops.

As for the 3 to 5 year windows, just look at Tampa Bay. That's the strategy they've used. And Bloom knows it well.

Did Tampa Bay win something?

Tampa made a World Series appearance in the last 5 years. StL hasn't been close.

Im not saying its a strategy i agree with. But it's more likely to be what Bloom follows compared to spending on big free agents this winter.

As long as they spend enough to be competitive. That's all that most serious fans would ask for and expect. This cutting a team to the bone for some pot of gold down the road is laughable. I don't expect Bloom to perform miracles. Teams that spend win year in and year out.

If BDW allows Bloom to sign one GOOD starting pitcher and either a reliever or quality bench bat, I'll be satisfied. I think Bloom adds a starting pitcher through trade as well. If he was to acquire this and a RH power bat, I'd be ecstatic!

That's good with me pretty well. But not if they get rid of Gray. They need that 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. And they absolutely need a proven rbi guy that doesn't strike out a ton. That and some upgrade of the bullpen would give fans some hope and they might actually show up if there's a legit chance to make the playoffs. If they would target the payroll around 180 to 200 million it would probably get that done.

No way DeWitt is going anywhere close to a $200 million payroll in 2026.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

The organization has said over and over it is not increasing payroll. 2026 is another rebuild. They are not making any major signings. It'll be one cost effective starting pitcher and maybe a reliever. They are not signing any major player that puts them in contention. THEY ARE FOCUSING ON BUILDING FROM WITHIN.

If you expect major changes this winter, you'll be very disappointed. But go ahead and wait for it.

That building from within worked back before free agency, it doesn't work now. The days of stacking a bunch of talent in the minors to languish are gone. Rule 5 drafts and minor league free agents have changed the game. They still have players under their thumbs some, but arbitration has alleviated much of that. That's why the cry poor crowd makes no sense. You play the game to try to win. If you don't then what's the purpose? Even if by some miracle you manage to pull off your pie in the sky juggernaut of young cost controlled superstars, you're still going to have to pay them through arbitration. And if you won't pay them through that or free agency they will be gone and you'll be doing the same thing all over again. LOL....3 to 5 years at a time.

I dont disagree with your opinion of trying to win. But to answer your question of why not try, its all about money. A cheap roster allows for revenue even if ticket sales and attendance drops.

As for the 3 to 5 year windows, just look at Tampa Bay. That's the strategy they've used. And Bloom knows it well.

Did Tampa Bay win something?

Tampa made a World Series appearance in the last 5 years. StL hasn't been close.

Im not saying its a strategy i agree with. But it's more likely to be what Bloom follows compared to spending on big free agents this winter.

As long as they spend enough to be competitive. That's all that most serious fans would ask for and expect. This cutting a team to the bone for some pot of gold down the road is laughable. I don't expect Bloom to perform miracles. Teams that spend win year in and year out.

If BDW allows Bloom to sign one GOOD starting pitcher and either a reliever or quality bench bat, I'll be satisfied. I think Bloom adds a starting pitcher through trade as well. If he was to acquire this and a RH power bat, I'd be ecstatic!

That's good with me pretty well. But not if they get rid of Gray. They need that 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. And they absolutely need a proven rbi guy that doesn't strike out a ton. That and some upgrade of the bullpen would give fans some hope and they might actually show up if there's a legit chance to make the playoffs. If they would target the payroll around 180 to 200 million it would probably get that done.

No way DeWitt is going anywhere close to a $200 million payroll in 2026.

Or 130.

[CCard]

Cardinals will be trading for prospects or young players with 4-5 years of control. I don’t see any players on this list the Cards are likely to trade for.

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

The organization has said over and over it is not increasing payroll. 2026 is another rebuild. They are not making any major signings. It'll be one cost effective starting pitcher and maybe a reliever. They are not signing any major player that puts them in contention. THEY ARE FOCUSING ON BUILDING FROM WITHIN.

If you expect major changes this winter, you'll be very disappointed. But go ahead and wait for it.

That building from within worked back before free agency, it doesn't work now. The days of stacking a bunch of talent in the minors to languish are gone. Rule 5 drafts and minor league free agents have changed the game. They still have players under their thumbs some, but arbitration has alleviated much of that. That's why the cry poor crowd makes no sense. You play the game to try to win. If you don't then what's the purpose? Even if by some miracle you manage to pull off your pie in the sky juggernaut of young cost controlled superstars, you're still going to have to pay them through arbitration. And if you won't pay them through that or free agency they will be gone and you'll be doing the same thing all over again. LOL....3 to 5 years at a time.

I dont disagree with your opinion of trying to win. But to answer your question of why not try, its all about money. A cheap roster allows for revenue even if ticket sales and attendance drops.

As for the 3 to 5 year windows, just look at Tampa Bay. That's the strategy they've used. And Bloom knows it well.

Did Tampa Bay win something?

Tampa made a World Series appearance in the last 5 years. StL hasn't been close.

Im not saying its a strategy i agree with. But it's more likely to be what Bloom follows compared to spending on big free agents this winter.

As long as they spend enough to be competitive. That's all that most serious fans would ask for and expect. This cutting a team to the bone for some pot of gold down the road is laughable. I don't expect Bloom to perform miracles. Teams that spend win year in and year out.

If BDW allows Bloom to sign one GOOD starting pitcher and either a reliever or quality bench bat, I'll be satisfied. I think Bloom adds a starting pitcher through trade as well. If he was to acquire this and a RH power bat, I'd be ecstatic!

That's good with me pretty well. But not if they get rid of Gray. They need that 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. And they absolutely need a proven rbi guy that doesn't strike out a ton. That and some upgrade of the bullpen would give fans some hope and they might actually show up if there's a legit chance to make the playoffs. If they would target the payroll around 180 to 200 million it would probably get that done.

No way DeWitt is going anywhere close to a $200 million payroll in 2026.

Depends on if he wants to field a competitive team or not.

[JuanAgosto]

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

The organization has said over and over it is not increasing payroll. 2026 is another rebuild. They are not making any major signings. It'll be one cost effective starting pitcher and maybe a reliever. They are not signing any major player that puts them in contention. THEY ARE FOCUSING ON BUILDING FROM WITHIN.

If you expect major changes this winter, you'll be very disappointed. But go ahead and wait for it.

That building from within worked back before free agency, it doesn't work now. The days of stacking a bunch of talent in the minors to languish are gone. Rule 5 drafts and minor league free agents have changed the game. They still have players under their thumbs some, but arbitration has alleviated much of that. That's why the cry poor crowd makes no sense. You play the game to try to win. If you don't then what's the purpose? Even if by some miracle you manage to pull off your pie in the sky juggernaut of young cost controlled superstars, you're still going to have to pay them through arbitration. And if you won't pay them through that or free agency they will be gone and you'll be doing the same thing all over again. LOL....3 to 5 years at a time.

I dont disagree with your opinion of trying to win. But to answer your question of why not try, its all about money. A cheap roster allows for revenue even if ticket sales and attendance drops.

As for the 3 to 5 year windows, just look at Tampa Bay. That's the strategy they've used. And Bloom knows it well.

Did Tampa Bay win something?

Tampa made a World Series appearance in the last 5 years. StL hasn't been close.

Im not saying its a strategy i agree with. But it's more likely to be what Bloom follows compared to spending on big free agents this winter.

As long as they spend enough to be competitive. That's all that most serious fans would ask for and expect. This cutting a team to the bone for some pot of gold down the road is laughable. I don't expect Bloom to perform miracles. Teams that spend win year in and year out.

If BDW allows Bloom to sign one GOOD starting pitcher and either a reliever or quality bench bat, I'll be satisfied. I think Bloom adds a starting pitcher through trade as well. If he was to acquire this and a RH power bat, I'd be ecstatic!

That's good with me pretty well. But not if they get rid of Gray. They need that 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. And they absolutely need a proven rbi guy that doesn't strike out a ton. That and some upgrade of the bullpen would give fans some hope and they might actually show up if there's a legit chance to make the playoffs. If they would target the payroll around 180 to 200 million it would probably get that done.

No way DeWitt is going anywhere close to a $200 million payroll in 2026.

Depends on if he wants to field a competitive team or not.

That's the problem. I think BDW is happy to have a couple low payroll years of mediocre (at best) baseball until after the possible work stoppage.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Exactly. Goal is more like competing 3 to 5 years from now.

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

The organization has said over and over it is not increasing payroll. 2026 is another rebuild. They are not making any major signings. It'll be one cost effective starting pitcher and maybe a reliever. They are not signing any major player that puts them in contention. THEY ARE FOCUSING ON BUILDING FROM WITHIN.

If you expect major changes this winter, you'll be very disappointed. But go ahead and wait for it.

That building from within worked back before free agency, it doesn't work now. The days of stacking a bunch of talent in the minors to languish are gone. Rule 5 drafts and minor league free agents have changed the game. They still have players under their thumbs some, but arbitration has alleviated much of that. That's why the cry poor crowd makes no sense. You play the game to try to win. If you don't then what's the purpose? Even if by some miracle you manage to pull off your pie in the sky juggernaut of young cost controlled superstars, you're still going to have to pay them through arbitration. And if you won't pay them through that or free agency they will be gone and you'll be doing the same thing all over again. LOL....3 to 5 years at a time.

I dont disagree with your opinion of trying to win. But to answer your question of why not try, its all about money. A cheap roster allows for revenue even if ticket sales and attendance drops.

As for the 3 to 5 year windows, just look at Tampa Bay. That's the strategy they've used. And Bloom knows it well.

Did Tampa Bay win something?

Tampa made a World Series appearance in the last 5 years. StL hasn't been close.

Im not saying its a strategy i agree with. But it's more likely to be what Bloom follows compared to spending on big free agents this winter.

As long as they spend enough to be competitive. That's all that most serious fans would ask for and expect. This cutting a team to the bone for some pot of gold down the road is laughable. I don't expect Bloom to perform miracles. Teams that spend win year in and year out.

If BDW allows Bloom to sign one GOOD starting pitcher and either a reliever or quality bench bat, I'll be satisfied. I think Bloom adds a starting pitcher through trade as well. If he was to acquire this and a RH power bat, I'd be ecstatic!

That's good with me pretty well. But not if they get rid of Gray. They need that 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. And they absolutely need a proven rbi guy that doesn't strike out a ton. That and some upgrade of the bullpen would give fans some hope and they might actually show up if there's a legit chance to make the playoffs. If they would target the payroll around 180 to 200 million it would probably get that done.

No way DeWitt is going anywhere close to a $200 million payroll in 2026.

Depends on if he wants to field a competitive team or not.

Haven't they already answered that question?

[Red7]

One thing people keep forgetting about Gray and Contreras is they both have options. The price for getting to them waive their NTC’s will those options being guaranteed. They’re not just going to waive them to help the team out. That’s going to add to their contracts the team is trying to move.

[CCard]

Screw off with that 3 to 5 year bullcrap. Where do you guys get that from? Stupidity is rampant among you. A couple of signings and this team makes the playoffs.

The organization has said over and over it is not increasing payroll. 2026 is another rebuild. They are not making any major signings. It'll be one cost effective starting pitcher and maybe a reliever. They are not signing any major player that puts them in contention. THEY ARE FOCUSING ON BUILDING FROM WITHIN.

If you expect major changes this winter, you'll be very disappointed. But go ahead and wait for it.

That building from within worked back before free agency, it doesn't work now. The days of stacking a bunch of talent in the minors to languish are gone. Rule 5 drafts and minor league free agents have changed the game. They still have players under their thumbs some, but arbitration has alleviated much of that. That's why the cry poor crowd makes no sense. You play the game to try to win. If you don't then what's the purpose? Even if by some miracle you manage to pull off your pie in the sky juggernaut of young cost controlled superstars, you're still going to have to pay them through arbitration. And if you won't pay them through that or free agency they will be gone and you'll be doing the same thing all over again. LOL....3 to 5 years at a time.

I dont disagree with your opinion of trying to win. But to answer your question of why not try, its all about money. A cheap roster allows for revenue even if ticket sales and attendance drops.

As for the 3 to 5 year windows, just look at Tampa Bay. That's the strategy they've used. And Bloom knows it well.

Did Tampa Bay win something?

Tampa made a World Series appearance in the last 5 years. StL hasn't been close.

Im not saying its a strategy i agree with. But it's more likely to be what Bloom follows compared to spending on big free agents this winter.

As long as they spend enough to be competitive. That's all that most serious fans would ask for and expect. This cutting a team to the bone for some pot of gold down the road is laughable. I don't expect Bloom to perform miracles. Teams that spend win year in and year out.

If BDW allows Bloom to sign one GOOD starting pitcher and either a reliever or quality bench bat, I'll be satisfied. I think Bloom adds a starting pitcher through trade as well. If he was to acquire this and a RH power bat, I'd be ecstatic!

That's good with me pretty well. But not if they get rid of Gray. They need that 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. And they absolutely need a proven rbi guy that doesn't strike out a ton. That and some upgrade of the bullpen would give fans some hope and they might actually show up if there's a legit chance to make the playoffs. If they would target the payroll around 180 to 200 million it would probably get that done.

No way DeWitt is going anywhere close to a $200 million payroll in 2026.

Depends on if he wants to field a competitive team or not.

That's the problem. I think BDW is happy to have a couple low payroll years of mediocre (at best) baseball until after the possible work stoppage.

DeWitt is getting older and every year they don't win it is another year he doesn't win it. You'd think he'd be like Gussy Busch was with Whitey. "Just win me one more, Whitey."

[JuanAgosto]

The organization has said over and over it is not increasing payroll. 2026 is another rebuild. They are not making any major signings. It'll be one cost effective starting pitcher and maybe a reliever. They are not signing any major player that puts them in contention. THEY ARE FOCUSING ON BUILDING FROM WITHIN.

If you expect major changes this winter, you'll be very disappointed. But go ahead and wait for it.

That building from within worked back before free agency, it doesn't work now. The days of stacking a bunch of talent in the minors to languish are gone. Rule 5 drafts and minor league free agents have changed the game. They still have players under their thumbs some, but arbitration has alleviated much of that. That's why the cry poor crowd makes no sense. You play the game to try to win. If you don't then what's the purpose? Even if by some miracle you manage to pull off your pie in the sky juggernaut of young cost controlled superstars, you're still going to have to pay them through arbitration. And if you won't pay them through that or free agency they will be gone and you'll be doing the same thing all over again. LOL....3 to 5 years at a time.

I dont disagree with your opinion of trying to win. But to answer your question of why not try, its all about money. A cheap roster allows for revenue even if ticket sales and attendance drops.

As for the 3 to 5 year windows, just look at Tampa Bay. That's the strategy they've used. And Bloom knows it well.

Did Tampa Bay win something?

Tampa made a World Series appearance in the last 5 years. StL hasn't been close.

Im not saying its a strategy i agree with. But it's more likely to be what Bloom follows compared to spending on big free agents this winter.

As long as they spend enough to be competitive. That's all that most serious fans would ask for and expect. This cutting a team to the bone for some pot of gold down the road is laughable. I don't expect Bloom to perform miracles. Teams that spend win year in and year out.

If BDW allows Bloom to sign one GOOD starting pitcher and either a reliever or quality bench bat, I'll be satisfied. I think Bloom adds a starting pitcher through trade as well. If he was to acquire this and a RH power bat, I'd be ecstatic!

That's good with me pretty well. But not if they get rid of Gray. They need that 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. And they absolutely need a proven rbi guy that doesn't strike out a ton. That and some upgrade of the bullpen would give fans some hope and they might actually show up if there's a legit chance to make the playoffs. If they would target the payroll around 180 to 200 million it would probably get that done.

No way DeWitt is going anywhere close to a $200 million payroll in 2026.

Depends on if he wants to field a competitive team or not.

That's the problem. I think BDW is happy to have a couple low payroll years of mediocre (at best) baseball until after the possible work stoppage.

DeWitt is getting older and every year they don't win it is another year he doesn't win it. You'd think he'd be like Gussy Busch was with Whitey. "Just win me one more, Whitey."

Hes won two and had several playoff teams. I think he fell for a formula that doesn't work. Be just good enough to qualify and hope to get hot (and fortunate). He tried to mix lower payroll with luck. The luck hasn't been there. He let a lazy, arrogant, idiot oversee the deterioration of the developmental system while handing out stupid contracts.

Hopefully, a new direction with updated methods will allow the team be serious competitors in a 3-5 year window.