Six Cardinals Players Elect Free Agency Amid Mild Organizational Turnover

St. Louis will have some open roster spots throughout their organization

The St. Louis Cardinals are laying the groundwork for a potentially franchise-altering offseason as the organization attempts to rebound following an unexpected last-place finish.

In a couple of months, the big headlines will involve potential impact additions but first, the team must open some roster spots throughout the organization.

The Cardinals announced they have given their unconditional release to six players: catcher/outfielder José Alvarez, left-handed pitcher Kenny Hernandez, outfielder Chase Pinder, infielder Kramer Robertson, infielder Errol Robinson and right-handed pitcher Cory Thompson.

Every player on the list was scheduled to hit minor league free agency and appear to have elected to use that right. 

The bulk of these players can be defined as organizational depth, meaning they weren't established players or promising prospects. Still, St. Louis will have to replace them -- though that effort will likely come after targeting big-league free agency first.

At this point in the offseason, a minor leaguer is wise to expand his options to see if an opposing club has a clearer path to the big leagues than St. Louis. That said, it would not be shocking to see a couple of these guys return after testing the waters.

While none of these players appear to be perennial All-Stars, it will be interesting to see where they land. 

More MLB: Veteran Cardinals Catcher Elects Free Agency After Short Stint In St. Louis