Three questions facing the Cardinals this offseason

The 2026 season was expected to be a step back for the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals had moved on from several veteran players, such as pitcher Sonny Gray, third baseman Nolan Arenado and first baseman Willson Contreras. Although president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom had done a solid job in rebuilding the farm system, the Cardinals were expected to be years away from contending.

Instead, the Cardinals hovered on the periphery of the playoff hunt for most of the season and had a .500 record as late as Sept. 6. While a late-season skid led to a 77-85 record, the Cardinals dramatically exceeded expectations.

What does the mean for the team's offseason?

Three questions for the St. Louis Cardinals

1. Can the Cardinals trust Riley O'Brien as their closer?

It did not take long for O'Brien to seize the closer role for the Cardinals. He followed up a strong showing in 2025 with a stellar start to 2026, posting a 1.17 ERA and a 0.783 WHIP over his 15.1 innings through the end of April, recording eight saves while striking out 17 batters with one walk. O'Brien struggled from May 1 through the rest of the year, however, posting a 4.99 ERA and a 1.438 WHIP over his final 48.2 innings, striking out 47 batters with 28 walks.

The Cardinals have a great deal of work to do in order to remake a bullpen that finished 20th in the majors with a 4.40 ERA. O'Brien could be a part of the solution in a high leverage role. However, given his performance once the calendar turned to May, the Cardinals will need to add another option for the ninth inning if they want to contend in 2027.

2. What is the plan at third base?

Four players received over 30 games of action at the hot corner in 2026, with former top prospect Nolan Gorman leading the way with 66 appearances. None of those players stood out, with Bloom saying that there is a long-term vacancy at third. 

Those comments would seemingly indicate that Gorman will not be with the Cardinals in 2027 or will be in a reserve role. Prospect Jesus Baez had a breakout showing in 2026 but has yet to appear at Triple-A. If Baez has a strong start in Triple-A in 2027, he could prove to be the answer at third base. However, it is likely that the Cardinals look to a stopgap option in the interim.

3. Do the Cardinals look to extend first baseman Alec Burleson?

Burleson had been a solid utility man for the Cardinals, seeing time at first and in both corner outfield spots. He took over as their primary first baseman in 2026 and had a breakout performance, posting a .279/.343/.473 batting line in his 670 plate appearances, hitting 29 homers while driving in a major league-leading 116 runs.

Burleson is likely to receive a hefty raise in arbitration this offseason and is two years away from free agency. He has said that he is "100% open" to a long-term deal and being a part of the Cardinals' future. Other players such as outfielder Jordan Walker or shortstop JJ Wetherholt could be extension candidates as well, but Burleson may take precedence as he is closest to free agency.