As for the roster, earlier decisions by the entrenched braintrust restrict what can be done during this offseason. The front office is not so much complacent as handcuffed.
Making significant changes on this roster would be difficult for a variety of reasons.
After the 2017 season the Cardinals spent pitchers Sandy Alcantara and Zac Gallen plus outfielder Magneuris Sierra to get outfielder Marcell Ozuna, who could exit as a free agent this winter after two so-so seasons in the STL.
The next offseason the team spent pitcher Luke Weaver and catcher Carson Kelly to get first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.