The St. Louis Cardinals Make Significant Roster Moves
Adding Promising Talent and Clearing Space for New Additions
The St. Louis Cardinals have been busy reshaping their 40-man roster in recent days, making several notable moves. The team has added Adam Kloffenstein, Sem Robberse, and Pedro Pages to the roster while also making some adjustments to create room for new additions.
One of the players outrighted to Triple-A is Packy Naughton, who will continue his development in the minors. Additionally, Connor Thomas has been designated for an assignment, and Wilking Rodriguez has elected free agency after being outrighted.
With these moves, the Cardinals now have a full 40-man roster. However, this does not guarantee stability, as more players may be removed from the roster in the coming months.
Focus on Pitching Upgrades
The Cardinals are actively looking to bolster their pitching staff this offseason. They plan to add at least two starting pitchers to the mix, with the possibility of acquiring up to three starters and two relievers before Spring Training begins.
While trades involving higher-level names on the Cardinals’ 40-man roster could potentially open up some spots, there are still concerns about the future of certain players. Approximately 10 individuals are at risk of being removed from the group in the coming weeks and months.
Corner Outfielders in Question
Among the players facing uncertainty are corner outfielders Juan Yepez and Moises Gomez. Both players have shown potential and deserve opportunities at the Major League level.
Juan Yepez had an impressive rookie year with the Cardinals, highlighted by a clutch home run during Game One of the Wild Card Series in 2022. However, he has fallen down the team’s depth chart over the past year. With limited space on the Cardinals’ 26-man roster, it would be wise to explore trading Yepez to a team that can utilize his skills and provide him with more playing time.
The Cardinals missed an opportunity to capitalize on Yepez’s value during the previous offseason. It became evident early in Spring Training that his role with the team was diminishing, making the decision to retain him for the 2023 season rather perplexing.
Similarly, Moises Gomez possesses great hitting ability but lacks a clear role in St. Louis for 2024 and beyond. While neither player is known for their defensive prowess, given the opportunity elsewhere, their offensive capabilities could carve out a long-term role with another organization.
It is unlikely that both Yepez and Gomez will remain with the Cardinals by the end of the offseason, as the team looks to make necessary adjustments to their roster.
As the St. Louis Cardinals continue to make moves and shape their roster, the upcoming months promise to be filled with changes and potential trades. The team’s focus on pitching upgrades and the uncertain future of certain players highlight the dynamic nature of the offseason.