ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis Cardinals head into the Winter Meetings in a different position than previous years.
With the Cardinals previously announcing the club's plans to focus on youth development for the foreseeable future, the Cardinals head into the Winter Meetings in Dallas in a situation that will unlikely see them make any additions through free agency.
Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak says they will have to be 'opportunistic' at this years Winter Meetings when he joined 'Sports On A Sunday Morning.'
"We got to approach these meetings being opportunistic and see if there is other ways we can help our club in the short term, but also look at this organization to set it up for long term success," said Mozeliak on 'Sports On A Sunday Morning.'
Mozeliak admits that while this offseason is 'a different offseason (for the Cardinals), no doubt' they still want to be competitive in the NL Central and that means for the Cardinals, they have to open more opportunities for young players in the Cardinals organization.
"I do feel like our team is going to be better than a lot of people think we will be, but a lot of that is hedging on some steps forward from some of our players," said Mozeliak. "Obviously we think about somebody like a Nolan Gorman, can he be a middle of the order bat? He's going to have to make some adjustments, but if he can, we could have a special hitter there."
"Obviously, someone like Jordan Walker is going to have to make adjustments at the plate. I know he is working on it as we're speaking, so that's encouraging. But really, it's about if 10 guys can step up because overall we like our starting pitching and our bullpen."
With the Cardinals emphasis on youth development this offseason, it has sparked speculation of the Cardinals potentially moving on from some veteran players on the roster, with third-baseman Nolan Arenado and closer Ryan Helsley among names floated in trade rumors.
Mozeliak wouldn't comment on specific trade rumors, but Mozeliak did admit that leading up to the Winter Meetings, his phone has seen an increase of calls.
"I would definitely say over the last week and a half, the volume of calls have definitely gone up," said Mozeliak. "From that standpoint, we're trying to remain open minded and understand what these markets look like."
"Ultimately, my team will try to assess what we think is best for today and also the future and see if we can make some decisions. I do think there be some activity this week. It feels like things are loosening up overall in the baseball market. I think if you are one of those people who like to follow action, there should be some this week."
One veteran player on the Cardinals who won't be moved is Willson Contreras, who the Cardinals will move from catcher to first base next season. Mozeliak discussed moving Contreras to first base.
"I think the feeling inside our team is that they like our young core, they want to be a part of this and in Willson's case, playing more first base is something he is just looking at a way to make sure he can extend his career, but also be more impactful when he is at the plate," said Mozeliak.
"I think sometimes when you are catching, you're really trying to serve two masters. When you are not catching, you can really just focus on the offense. I think he is looking forward in that regard."