Cardinals’ ideal Paul Goldschmidt replacement could be a former St. Louis villain

As the St. Louis Cardinals approach the 2024-25 MLB offseason, the future of Paul Goldschmidt with the team looks uncertain.

For years, Goldschmidt has been a key figure for the Cardinals, playing alongside Nolan Arenado to form one of the most formidable corner infield tandems in baseball.

However, the outlook for both players is now in flux. Arenado may be traded, and Goldschmidt, now in his late 30s, is hitting free agency.

While both could eventually be Hall of Fame-bound, it’s increasingly likely neither will continue their careers in St. Louis.

With the potential departure of two of their star players, the Cardinals must reassess their roster.

One solution to fill the void at first base could be signing Anthony Rizzo, a seasoned first baseman who has spent time with the Chicago Cubs and more recently with the New York Yankees.

At this stage in his career, Rizzo may be seeking a new home where he can get consistent playing time while still being part of a competitive team. St. Louis could offer him such an opportunity.

The decision to bring Rizzo to St. Louis may not be as far-fetched as it initially seems.

Although Rizzo’s past with the Cubs could raise some eyebrows, baseball is a business, and it’s not unusual for players to switch teams, even if they once played for fierce rivals.

In fact, many former Cubs have found themselves donning a Cardinals jersey in the past.

If the Cardinals are truly ready to part ways with Goldschmidt, Rizzo could be a more than capable replacement at first base.

Rizzo’s market and Goldschmidt’s are somewhat aligned, with both players likely seeking teams that can offer either a championship-contending roster or a place where they can play regularly.

The Cardinals’ situation could offer the best of both worlds for Rizzo: a chance to step in as a key player while also contributing to a team aiming to rebuild and return to form.

As the Cardinals continue to explore their options this offseason, adding a player like Rizzo may allow them to move forward while replacing Goldschmidt without a significant drop in talent at first base.

In the end, this move would be a pragmatic solution for a team trying to navigate a transitional period while remaining competitive. If St. Louis does indeed let go of Goldschmidt, signing Rizzo could turn out to be an ideal choice.