The Major League Baseball Winter Meetings are in full swing in Dallas, and the Cardinals have their eyes set on a new direction this winter. With the departure of Albert Pujols last year, the franchise has been in a state of flux, and now they're looking to make some significant changes.

Unraveling the Cardinals' Winter Meeting Moves

Arrival and Minor League Staffing

The Cardinals have arrived in Dallas and are expected to continue outfitting the minor-league staffing over the coming week. They have some coordinator positions to fill and have been actively involved in vetting, interviewing, planning, and hiring. A notable number of new voices in player development are set to join the team in the coming days/week.

This is an important step in shaping the future of the franchise, as the development of young talent is crucial for long-term success. The Cardinals are committed to building a strong foundation for the next decade.

Player Trades and Contract Situations

There are several players on the current roster who could be traded, including Nolan Arenado, Steven Matz, and Erick Fedde. The Cardinals don't expect to be overwhelmed by offers for Ryan Helsley, especially with alternative relievers available as free agents.

The trade of Nolan Arenado is a complex matter, involving money, deferred cash, and a no-trade clause. Trading him at the deadline would be a difficult task for both teams, given the limited time and the complexity of the deal. The Cardinals are also considering their options with other players, such as keeping Helsley until the trade deadline or packaging him with Arenado to sweeten the return.

Hitting and Fielding Considerations

There has been a lot of discussion about the hitting decline of Goldschmidt and Arenado and the need for more hitters. The Cardinals have also been considering the impact of moving Contreras to first base to potentially extend his career and stabilize the defense.

The front office is aware of the importance of both hitting and fielding in a successful team. They are exploring different options to address these issues and ensure that the team is well-rounded in all aspects of the game.

New Hitting Coach and Coaching Changes

The Cardinals have hired a new hitting coach, and coaching changes are seen as crucial for the team's performance. The new coach has already been in contact with the hitters and is working to improve their skills and production.

Coaching plays a significant role in a team's success, and the Cardinals are committed to making the necessary changes to help their players reach their full potential.

Young Talent and the Future Core

The Cardinals have a group of young players who they hope will form the core of the team in the future. Names like Jordan Walker, Lars Nootbaar, and Masyn Winn are being mentioned as potential future stars.

The development of these young players is a top priority for the Cardinals. They believe that with the right support and coaching, these players can become key contributors to the team in the years to come.

Other Notable Topics

There are also other topics of interest, such as the potential signing of free agents, the role of Chaim Bloom in the decision-making process, and the team's overall approach to the offseason.

The Cardinals are navigating a complex offseason, with many factors to consider. They are working hard to make the right decisions and set the team up for success in the future.

As the Winter Meetings continue, fans will be eagerly awaiting the next moves from the Cardinals. Stay tuned for more updates as the story unfolds.