The St. Louis Cardinals are looking ahead after dealing away their expensive veteran players during the offseason. With those departures, the team can now shift its attention to the core group of players who remain.
Although the 2026 season may bring challenges in terms of on-field performance, it also gives younger players an opportunity to develop and show they deserve to be part of the team’s long-term foundation. It may also be the right time for the organization to consider offering contract extensions to some of these players.
The Philadelphia Phillies locked up left-hander Jesus Luzardo on Monday. Here are three players the Cardinals should consider extending.
Alec Burleson: 5 years, $75 million
With Willson Contreras gone, the Cardinals now have their first baseman of the future in Alec Burleson. He won his first Silver Slugger award last season after hitting .290/.343/.459 with 18 home runs, 69 RBI and an .801 OPS.
In an age where hitters don’t hit for high averages anymore, Burleson is a rare breed. He is somebody the Cardinals are going to build around in the future, and giving him $15 million per year seems reasonable at this point in his career.
Ivan Herrera: 4 years, $80 million
Ivan Herrera was also one of the few bright spots for the Cardinals in 2025. Despite landing on the injured list twice, he still hit .284/.373/.464 with 19 home runs and an .837 OPS.
While his defense behind the plate is less than stellar at times, what he can do with his bat is undeniable. He has a chance to be a true impact player, even if the Cardinals simply make him a designated hitter.
If he can stay healthy, he could be a real power threat for a team that needs some thump from the right side of the plate.
Masyn Winn: 7 years, $180 million
If there is one player the Cardinals should try to lock up long term, it would be Masyn Winn. The star shortstop made only three errors last season, and despite being shut down in September due to a torn meniscus, he still
won his first Gold Glove.
If he can stay healthy, he could be a truly dynamic player. He is also still a strong offensive player, and if he can improve his OPS numbers a bit, he is somebody that should be locked up long term. The future is bright for Winn, and he is somebody that the Cardinals are going to want around for the next several years.
