According to the latest projection, the Yankees are a logical candidate for the Cardinals’ $130 million star

The St. Louis Cardinals’ offseason predictions are unclear as many wonder what the front office means when they say they plan to cut payroll this winter.

Of course, players with expensive contracts will be shopped, but it remains to be determined whether St. Louis will attempt to make significant additions in free agency.

A Cardinal’s free agent future with the club is likely over, making him a possible offseason acquisition for the only franchise with more World Series victories than St. Louis.

“Father Time hasn’t exactly been kind to (Anthony) Rizzo of late for both production and reliability reasons, which puts the (New York) Yankees in the position of forgoing the $6 million buyout in favor of a $17 million salary.” Dollars next season.” Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti wrote Tuesday as he discussed his predictions for several notable options this offseason. “PREDICTION: REJECTED.”

If Ginnitti’s prediction comes true, the Yankees will need a solid first baseman they can rely on – making four-time Gold Glove defenseman Paul Goldschmidt a logical option.

Goldschmidt has a .289 batting average with 831 extra-base hits, including 362 home runs, 1,187 RBIs and an .891 OPS over his illustrious 14-year career between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cardinals.

Although Goldschmidt is having the worst season of his career at the helm in 2024, he is only two years away from winning the National League MVP and is motivated to win a World Series before retiring.

The 37-year-old’s signing could have huge potential if Goldschmidt just needs a change of scenery. St. Louis has regressed over the last two seasons and joining a winning culture like the Yankees could revitalize the five-time Silver Slugger slugger.

With Goldschmidt’s stock slumping after the downturns of the last two seasons, the Yankees could probably acquire the seven-time All-Star at a reasonable price — although that doesn’t matter much to the richest team in baseball. The 27-time World Series winner would be wise to try out Goldy as a first baseman for 2025.

More MLB: Could the Mets pursue a blockbuster move for the Cardinals’ $75 million star this winter?