While the Cardinals have gotten better this off-season, they have not added payroll. The team let go of Kolten Wong in order to save money, and then brought back Adam Wainwright on a one year, $8 million contract. Additionally, the Rockies are paying all of Arenado’s first year salary. This means that the Cardinals have so far accomplished their offseason goals of improving without adding payroll.
The Dexter Fowler trade also saved the Cardinals $1.75 million. What it also did was open another 40-man roster spot. This, combined with the rumors that the Cardinals are interested in Jake Odorizzi, make it pretty clear that the Cardinals are still looking to add to the roster.