2 Cardinals Players with Interesting Contract Options to Monitor This Season

The Cardinals have a few players with options.

Sep 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of the hat and glove of St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Nolan Gorman (not pictured) before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals are off to a strong start through their first six games. They won two out of three against both the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Mets and are set to begin a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers.

The team sits one game back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central and faces a true test this weekend.

This past offseason, the Cardinals traded away a lot of players to set themselves up for the future, but they also signed a few players as well. There are a few players that have some contract options for 2027 that might be worth considering. Here are two of them.

Two Cardinals with intriguing options this season

Mar 29, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Dustin May (3) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Dustin May

May was signed to a one-year contract this past offseason after the Cardinals traded away Sonny Gray. However, there is a chance he remains with the Cardinals past the 2026 season.

While he may just be a rental for this season and somebody that the Cardinals can trade at the deadline if they are out of contention, the right-hander has a mutual option for 2027. While mutual options are rarely accepted, it's still worth monitoring.

If May bounces back this season, he could be in line for a solid contract next winter, potentially even a multi-year deal. That might mean that he is unlikely to return to St. Louis after this season, but his option is certainly worth monitoring as the Cardinals continue their rebuild.

Ramon Urias

Urias is another player that was signed to a one-year deal and also has an option for 2027. Like May's contract, Urias' deal includes a mutual option. This one might be a little bit easier for St. Louis to make work.

The former Gold Glove winner is simply a utility player who happens to have a little bit of pop from the right side of the plate. He can play anywhere in the infield, but he is not an everyday player, so if he does well, then the Cardinals may want to bring him back.

Urias also originally signed with the Cardinals back in 2018, so staying with his first organization, one he is familiar with would make sense for him.

It will be interesting to see where things stand at the end of the season in terms of each player's option. Urias could also be a trade candidate should things go south for the Cardinals.