Key Offseason Questions for the St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals entered the 2026 season with expectations of a downturn, having transitioned away from several veteran players, including Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado, and Willson Contreras. Despite these changes, the team remained competitive for much of the season, achieving a .500 record as late as September 6, before finishing with a 77-85 record.

One major question for the Cardinals is whether they can rely on Riley O'Brien as their closer. After a strong start to the season with a 1.17 ERA, O'Brien struggled in the latter half, raising concerns about the bullpen, which finished with a 4.40 ERA. Additionally, the team is evaluating their options at third base, where multiple players, including Nolan Gorman, shared time without a standout performance. Prospect Jesus Baez could be a future solution if he performs well in Triple-A.

Another consideration is the future of first baseman Alec Burleson, who had a breakout season with a batting line of .279/.343/.473 and led the league with 116 RBIs. As he approaches arbitration and free agency, Burleson has expressed interest in a long-term deal, making him a priority for the Cardinals this offseason.