Cardinals Loosely Linked To Trio Of Shortstops As They Seek Middle Infield Help

St. Louis could use some depth

The St. Louis Cardinals addressed their biggest concerns entering the offseason when they added three starting pitchers and two high-leverage relievers. 

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak is expected to be done making splashes but there could be some external help on the way to provide depth up the middle.

St. Louis reportedly is attempting to choose their backup shortstop behind star prospect Masyn Winn and is willing to exhaust all options.

Versatile Tommy Edman is a logical choice -- which would allow someone such as Dylan Carlson or Alec Burleson to join the outfield group for a day. However, some think an external player could be on the table.

"There still remains a handful of available shortstops, including two experienced Gold Glove Award winners in Nick Ahmed and Brandon Crawford," the St. Louis Dispatch's Derrick Goold pointed out regarding the matter. "Former All-Star Elvis Andrus is also unsigned."

Among the names listed Andrus is the only one who had a positive bWAR last season after playing respectable defense and posting an acceptable 81 OPS+ in 112 games last season.

Ahmed and Crawford would be fantastic defensive-minded options with the latter able to provide veteran leadership as a two-time World Series champion, four-time Gold Glove winner and three-time All-Star.

An external addition is not required due to the number of budding young position players in the organization but could aid the team, especially early on as Thomas Saggese continues to work his way up the farm system.

More MLB: Cardinals Given Strong Offseason Grade After Rebuilding Pitching Staff