DENVER, CO – JULY 02: Trevor Story #27 of the Colorado Rockies walks through the dugout during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Coors Field on July 2, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Despite being a St. Louis native, the Cardinals couldn’t convince Max Scherzer to come home. So, what should they do now?
It’s tough to blame the Cardinals for not going north of $40 million per season. The Mets’ astronomical offer was tough to turn down for Scherzer, as well, who will now call Queens home until his age-40 season, barring an opt-out after the second season.
St. Louis could find three pitchers on the current free agent market willing to split the money Scherzer eventually received, but that’s not going to cut it with Cardinals fans. After falling short in the postseason, the Cardinals need to continue to improve upon obvious weaknesses to make a World Series run.
Thankfully, there remain several impact free agents available that the Cards can pursue.
Cardinals rumors: St. Louis should pursue Nolan Arenado’s former teammate
Trevor Story dropped off a bit in 2021, but assuming his price also takes a hit because of his .251/.329/.471 slash line, the Cards could take a chance on the former Rockie. Story must also prove — much like Arenado — that he can succeed at the plate away from the high altitude of Coors Field. Arenado’s power numbers, for the large part, translated to St. Louis.
Could lightning strike twice for the Cardinals?
St. Louis doesn’t necessarily have a gaping hole at shortstop, but Paul DeJong and Edmundo Sosa don’t necessarily inspire as much confidence as Story.
If the Cardinals can convince Story to come down on his asking price a bit — for example, he’s not getting Marcus Semien money — then the fit makes sense. If not, it’s likely on to the next one.