Cardinals Openly Searching for Third Base Answer This Offseason
Bloom confirmed the hot corner remains a priority need, with internal candidates ranging from Nolan Gorman to top prospect Rainiel Rodriguez.
Cardinals president Chaim Bloom publicly called third base a long-term vacancy after four players combined for sub-.700 OPS at the position in 2025. Opening Day starter Nolan Gorman was demoted by June, and offseason acquisition Ramon Urias missed most of the year with injury. Top prospect Rainiel Rodriguez, a 19-year-old catcher/first baseman, is being considered for third base reps to add versatility, though he has never played the position professionally. The club may look externally for a solution while also evaluating internal options like Thomas Saggese and Jose Fermin.
More on the Cardinals wire.
Cardinals Claim RHP Chase Hampton Off Waivers
St. Louis adds 25-year-old right-hander Chase Hampton, who has now been claimed twice in quick succession after the Yankees and Nationals both DFA'd him.
Strzelecki Elects Free Agency After Cardinals DFA, Outright
The 32-year-old reliever turned down a Triple-A assignment from St. Louis and enters the free agent market for the third time in 2026.
Willson Contreras confident he avoided hand fracture but remains day-to-day
Contreras believes he escaped a fracture after being hit by a pitch, per MLB.com's Ian Browne, but his hand remains "still really sore" and his availability is uncertain.
Cardinals Cut Ramon Urias After Injury-Plagued Season
St. Louis released the veteran infielder days after designating him for assignment to make room for JJ Wetherholt.
Cardinals rookie Baez lands on IL with left oblique strain
Joshua Baez's promising debut with St. Louis is cut short after the outfield prospect is sidelined by a left oblique injury.
Contreras Day-to-Day After HBP on Hand
Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras is listed as day-to-day following a hit-by-pitch on his hand, though initial news is described as positive.