Lately, it’s tough to figure out exactly what the St. Louis Cardinals are doing, but one thing seems clear: it’s not working. For most of my 35 years, the Cardinals have been a consistently competent team, and not too long ago, they boasted the best corner infield duo in baseball with Nolan Arenado at third and Paul Goldschmidt at first.
Fast forward to the 2024-25 offseason, and it seems likely that neither player will return. Arenado might be traded, and Goldschmidt, now in his late 30s, is hitting free agency. While both are future Hall of Famers, there’s a real chance neither will be wearing a Cardinals cap when they retire—it simply didn’t work out for them in St. Louis.
As John Mozeliak explores trading Arenado and Goldschmidt seeks his next team, the Cardinals may want to consider a stop-gap solution at first base. Enter Anthony Rizzo, the veteran first baseman known for his time with the Chicago Cubs and recent years with the New York Yankees. While it’s unclear exactly what direction the Cardinals are heading, one thing is certain: they need to make a move to get back on track, and Rizzo could be the answer at first base.
Anthony Rizzo: A Logical Replacement for Goldschmidt
The reality is that Goldschmidt is likely on his way out of St. Louis. While he could technically return, it’s probably not worth counting on. If Rizzo were to leave New York, St. Louis could be an intriguing landing spot for him. The decision could hinge on where Juan Soto decides to play. If Soto stays with the Yankees, Rizzo may want to return there, but if Soto’s contract becomes too expensive, it might leave the Yankees with less room for Rizzo.
At this stage of his career, Rizzo would benefit from one of two situations: either joining a team with championship aspirations, like the Yankees, or a team where he can get regular playing time, like he could in St. Louis. If he can find both at the same location, it could be the right fit for him. His market and Goldschmidt’s overlap in many ways.
A Solid Move for the Cardinals
Replacing Goldschmidt with Rizzo might be a smart move for the Cardinals. Yes, Rizzo is a former Cubs player, but baseball is a business, and players often switch teams despite old rivalries. He wouldn’t be the first former Cub to wear a Cardinals uniform, nor will he be the last. If St. Louis truly wants to move on from Goldschmidt, bringing in Rizzo could be an effective solution. He brings a strong bat, leadership, and familiarity with playing for big-market teams, making him a solid choice to fill the gap.
