Season is over, let’s fire up the hot stove.
There will obviously be some roster changes this offseason, but to what degree? The time has come to be a little more aggressive than usual as the Cubs aren’t going to be the usual 1-2 year division rival that challenges for the division like the Brewers, Reds, etc. It’s finally a worthy rivalry.
The new tv deal kicks off in 2018, where the team will make $50m (they made $30m in 2017, the last year of current deal), and it will rise each year for the next 15 years… making the team $86m in 2032. $86 million! Remember when the team payroll was less than that? 2009.
Everybody wants a big bat in there again for all the complimentary players to uh… compliment. Names like Giancarlo Stanton always pop up, and with Derek Jeter wanting to cut their payroll all the down to $55m next season, he could certainly help widdle away that payroll number for them. Most think he wants to stay on a coast and not go to the midwest. I wouldn’t hold my breath on hoping he becomes a Cardinal, you would most likely only be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Today another name that gets mentioned by fans quite often, Josh Donaldson was dropped. Bob Nightengale says the Cardinals are expected to strongly pursue him. He becomes a free agent after 2018. He made $17m this season and is arbitration eligible this offseason.
Bob Nightengale on Twitter
The #STLCards, who badly need a slugger in the middle of their lineup next year, are expected to strongly pursue #BlueJays 3B Josh Donaldson
He has dealt with some injuries this season, yet still hit 33 homers. He got really hot in August.
ESPN Stats & Info on Twitter
Josh Donaldson: 20th HR since August 1st; only Giancarlo Stanton (24) and J.D. Martinez (22) have more in that stretch.
When has Nightengale been right about the Cardinals and a player rumor though?
What other big name stars would you wish for?
