The Cardinals faced an uphill battle almost from the start of the season, as a COVID outbreak sidelined the team for more than two weeks. St. Louis got into the playoffs as the NL Central runner-up nonetheless, but they fell to the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card Series.
Jesse Rogers takes a look at where the Cardinals stand and answers two key questions for the club moving forward to 2021 and beyond.
St. Louis Cardinals
Notable free agents: Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina
Trade candidates: Carlos Martinez, Dexter Fowler
Extension candidates: Jack Flaherty
1. Will longtime Cardinals Molina and Wainwright return?
Before signing his last deal heading into the 2019 season, Molina indicated he was going to retire after this season. But now he's told reporters that he'll play in 2021. That puts the pressure on the team, as Molina is an all-time fan favorite, as is Wainwright. In such uncertain times, both players would undoubtedly take one-year deals, which should fit well with any organization's plans for 2021. It feels like a no-brainer to bring back both players for 12 more months.
2. Who's in the outfield?
The Cardinals finished in the bottom third in OPS in all three outfield positions in 2020. But at least young players such as Dylan Carlson, Harrison Bader and Tyler O'Neill got plenty of playing time. However, that doesn't mean they're the answer to all the Cardinals' power issues out there. Carlson has the most upside, but St. Louis could use a big-time bat from outside the organization just like the one they brought in at first base in the form of Paul Goldschmidt. Replacing Marcell Ozuna one year later should be a priority. Fowler has a year left on his contract, but it's unclear where he fits in.