LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- With their pursuit of Giancarlo Stanton now in the rearview mirror, the Cardinals have arrived at the Winter Meetings ready to pursue various other paths toward what has always been the end offseason goal: to turn an 83-win team into a postseason participant again.
Though disappointed by Stanton's unwillingness to waive his no-trade clause and accept a move to St. Louis, the finality of that decision also offers the Cardinals clarity. The club can turn its focus elsewhere, and it can do so at an opportune time. Beginning Sunday, the Cards will have several days during which to meet face-to-face with executives and agents.
Their schedule is expected to be full.
"We will," as chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. noted on Friday, "continue to make every effort to improve our club for the upcoming season."
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Having already added to their starting pitching depth by signing right-hander Miles Mikolas last week, the Cardinals have now zeroed in on upgrading the offense with the addition of an impact bat and stabilizing the bullpen, which is still without a closer.
A source confirmed to MLB.com that the Cardinals reached an agreement with veteran right-handed reliever Luke Gregerson on a two-year, $11 million deal.
The Cardinals are positioned to make bold dives into the free-agent and/or trade markets to address these needs. They flaunt substantial financial flexibility in addition to a deep pool of top prospects that could be packaged in a deal. The Cards expect plenty of outside interest in their young pitching talent, and they would still like to reduce their crowded outfield.
When news breaks or moves are made, Cardinals.com will provide exhaustive coverage and analysis of it all. Stay plugged in for other items of interest, too. At 2 p.m. CT on Wednesday, manager Mike Matheny will offer his first extensive interview since the end of the 2017 season. Look for him to address the organization's offseason blueprint, as well as potential positional changes coming for returning players.
MLB.com will also be on site to cover the results of the National Baseball Hall of Fame's Modern Era Ballot on Sunday and any notable activity in Thursday's Rule 5 Draft.
Feel free to join the conversation along the way by dropping your thoughts into the comment section below. And get ready for what most expect to be a busy and critical week for the organization.