(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
St. Louis Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak is often careful not to tip his hand when talking about his offseason or trade deadline strategy.
However this year, the Cardinals have had a disastrous season and enter the second half with a record of 38-52.
More than likely, the Cardinals will look to sell at the deadline.
Recently, Mozeliak discussed the team’s deadline strategy and essentially confirmed what has been suspected for quite some time, that the Cardinals are shifting their focus towards the 2024 season and beyond.
Cardinals writer Jeff Jones tweeted what Mozeliak had to say about the team’s trade deadline strategy, via Martin Kilcoyne.
“We’re not waving the white flag, but all decisions or all moves we do will really try to set us up for next year.”#SellerBucket https://t.co/rerA3j1EFj
— Jeff Jones (@jmjones) July 12, 2023
With players such as Jordan Montgomery, Jordan Hicks, Chris Stratton, and Jack Flaherty all set to become free agents, it’s very likely that the Cardinals will try to capitalize on their value and make a move geared towards the future.
This year’s deadline could potentially still include some buying, however.
In addition to Flaherty and Montgomery being on expiring contracts, Adam Wainwright is set to retire.
This means that only Miles Mikolas and Steven Matz are under contract for 2024 in terms of the starting rotation, and a controllable starter or two could set them up for next season.
Potential options could be Dylan Cease or Logan Gilbert, both of whom have several years of team control left on their contracts.
St. Louis is lacking a true No. 1 starter after passing on the starting pitcher’s market during last offseason.
Mozeliak did say that he isn’t fully giving up on 2023, but it’s clear that the Cardinals have an eye on the future.
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