Cardinals lay groundwork at Meetings

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — A Winter Meetings stay that included myriad discussions with agents and clubs, as well as internal debate about the optimal way to solve their outfield void, ended without the Cardinals completing any actual transaction. They hope, however, that the work done over their four-day stay outside Washington, D.C., formed the foundation for future action.

The Cardinals remain positioned as they did when they arrive — still seeking an impact outfielder and uncertain whether that fit will be best addressed via the free-agent or trade market. They watched as two potential options came off the board with Ian Desmond and Adam Eaton finding landing spots. Those moves also highlighted the cost of doing business, whether it be in cash or prospects, of wading in the outfield market this winter.

“We’re trying to understand what our best options are to try and improve our club,” general manager John Mozeliak said before boarding a flight home on Thursday. “No, we didn’t leave here necessarily getting what we hoped done, but the finish line isn’t today. We still have all month to continue to work on this, and hopefully we can continue making progress. I’m encouraged.”

Dexter Fowler would be the optimal fit if the Cards prefer a free-agent answer. The trade market would present more options, but could also cost a bundle of …

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