Cardinals Reportedly Will Discuss Extension With Star Despite Midseason Trade Rumors

One St. Louis fan-favorite reportedly could be sticking around for the long haul

The St. Louis Cardinals have a lot of work to do this upcoming offseason if they want to make their way back to the playoffs in 2024. 

St. Louis had high expectations entering the 2023 season but failed to live up to the hype. The Cardinals ended up having one of the worst seasons in the team's history and ultimately will finish in last place in the National League Central. No one expected the team to struggle this year, but the club never was able to get on track.

The Cardinals' struggles led the club to be one of the biggest sellers ahead of the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline as they shipped Jordan Montgomery, Jordan Hicks, Jack Flaherty, and Paul DeJong out of town. Although the Cardinals made a few big deals, there could have been even more done.

Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt found his name in trade rumors for weeks, although a move ultimately didn't happen. Even though there were talks of a possible trade, it sounds like he will be in town for the long haul as the two sides plan to discuss a contract extension this offseason, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold.

"(Goldschmidt) has one year remaining on his contract with the Cardinals, though the team intends to approach him at some point this offseason about their vision for an extension," Goold said. "Both sides expect to have that conversation during spring training, at the latest. By then, they plan to have remade their team into a contender."

While the fact that the two sides will be talking about a new contract is a positive sign, it doesn't mean a deal with get done. At this point, it seems likely, but we will have to wait until Goldschmidt signs on the dotted line. The 2022 National League Most Valuable Player has been as advertised since joining the club ahead of the 2019 season and if St. Louis wants to return to the playoffs next season, it likely will have a lot to do with Goldschmidt's play. 

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