After a dismal performance during the 2023 season, the St. Louis Cardinals find themselves at a crucial crossroads as they approach the upcoming offseason.
Struggling to find their footing, the Cardinals landed in the last place within the National League Central with a disheartening 71-91 record, leaving many perplexed about the team’s future prospects.
As the team braces itself for an intense offseason, the primary focus remains on bolstering the starting rotation, which has been a weak link throughout the season.
However, the organization grapples with a more significant question mark concerning the future of their star first baseman, Paul Goldschmidt.
Despite being embroiled in unexpected trade rumors during this season, Goldschmidt’s contractual obligations bind him to the team for just one more season.
Amidst speculations of a potential trade, negotiations for a contract extension are expected to take center stage during the offseason, ensuring the star remains in St. Louis.
Expressing his unwavering commitment to the Cardinals, Goldschmidt emphasized his desire to contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming seasons, dispelling any doubts about his loyalty to the organization.
Speaking to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Derrick Goold, Goldschmidt articulated his aspirations for the team, stating: “I want to come back, and we want to win. We want to get into the playoffs. We want to win the World Series. That’s where the focus is.”
Despite experiencing a dip in his performance this year, Goldschmidt’s invaluable contributions, highlighted by his 2022 National League Most Valuable Player award, underscore his pivotal role in the team’s future aspirations.
With the team’s resurgence to the postseason hinging on his performance, it appears highly improbable that the Cardinals would consider parting ways with their seasoned first baseman this offseason.
A contract extension seems to be the most probable outcome of the ongoing negotiations, squashing any lingering uncertainties about Goldschmidt’s long-term association with the Cardinals.
Should the Cardinals lock-up Goldschmidt?
Is he one of the most underrated players of this generation? … Maybe THE most???