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Melville wrote: ↑27 Dec 2025 13:24 pm

Shady wrote: ↑27 Dec 2025 12:49 pm

OldRed wrote: ↑27 Dec 2025 12:43 pm Burleson will replace Contreras and Contreras will not be missed.

I also look for a great year from Walker. At 23 going on 24 it will be his time. I'm not always optimistic, but one more bat and another starting pitcher I believe they will contend the NLC.

Everyone knows me by now; I don't make these predictions very often.

That would be ideal. If Walker could match something comparable to Contreras' '25 production. That could fill the current void in the MOTO. However, that is a huge "if" going into '26.

It would be foolish for STL to hope or expect to be a middle order bat to replace Contreras.
That is simply not his skill set and likely never will be.
He needs to be viewed as a potential solid #7 hitter who lengthens a lineup - and not as a potential middle order hitter.
Think Juan Encarnacion.

Was WC a MOTO?
4 of 6 months had 3 or less HR.
His big months were 5 and 6 HRs

He has never hit 25 HR.
IF we are to suggest it is because of the number of games he plays, well
that opens up a different discussion that you have in the past championed.

They both might be 5-7 hitters which brings
us back to the lack of XBH in the lineup. Replacing either
with the same production will be spinning wheels.

That might be a realistic goal in 2026 but one imo
that would take one position out of play where XBH are expected.
Trading for a bat that does that now seems like a longshot. Nearly the
same as expecting a TOR pitcher.
Teams that have that as part of their current roster and giving that
up for a Donovan would surprise me.

Donovan and a young SP might/could/should get it done.
It would be a good trade if able to pull off. Even if it is a
bet on a future production. The organization lacks it more
than they do pitchers.

Hoosier59 wrote: ↑27 Dec 2025 14:52 pm Bader is looking for a 3 year deal, I believe over 30 mil value. Dewitt won’t go for that.
Also Shady, no way Oli bats 4 left hand hitters in a row. In your Lineup, Wetherholt, Donovan, Burleson, and Scott will be hitting 9th.
You need to mix in Herrera and Winn amongst those four.
I know how I’d bat them, but I’m sure that’s not how Oli will do it, but he won’t line them up that way.

Agree.
I've posted similar about Bader. $30+ imo. easily
wrong and MLB trade rumors predicted 2/$26.

On this team those numbers say that he should start in CF.
A team in the Cardinals position doesn't seem wise to give
the extra year on a contract that it might cost to land
a veteran coming off his career year.

FA market limited outside of the big names in the power aspect.
Hayes? Andujar?

Shady wrote: ↑27 Dec 2025 11:21 am My point is, why not have a two-fold objective? Rebuild for the future while still trying to win the Central Division in '26. At least a wildcard. I really believe that is what's going on now with Bloom. Going into '26, adding Wetherholt to the lineup should be comparable to making a really good off season trade.

Wasn't that the approach last year?