This is the latest entry in MLBTR’s Offseason In Review series. The full index of Offseason In Review posts can be found here.
The Cardinals added two top free agents this offseason and said goodbye to some longtime contributors as they tinkered with the core that won them 86 games in 2016.
Major League Signings
- OF Dexter Fowler: five years, $82.5MM
- LHP Brett Cecil: four years, $30.5MM
- Total spend: $113MM
Notable Minor League Signings
- Jose Adolis Garcia, Eric Fryer
Trades And Claims
- Acquired RHP Chris Ellis, RHP John Gant and 2B Luke Dykstra from Braves for LHP Jaime Garcia
- Lost OF Jeremy Hazelbaker on waivers to Diamondbacks
- Lost LHP Tim Cooney on waivers to Indians
Extensions
- RHP Carlos Martinez: five years, $51MM (includes club options for 2022 and 2023)
Notable Losses
Needs Addressed
The Cardinals ended the 2016 season by parting ways with a longtime star, giving the aging Matt Holliday a $1M buyout rather than exercising a $17MM option.