As the Seattle Mariners consider how to rebuild their roster this offseason, they received some big news Monday as it was reported that the St. Louis Cardinals would not extend a qualifying offer to slugger Paul Goldschmidt.

John Denton, who covers the Cardinals, announced the news on social media:

As expected, they will not extend a qualifying offer to free agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, according to POBO John Mozeliak. The deadline to do so is 4 p.m. CT today.

If extended and signed, the QO would have guaranteed Goldschmidt, 37, a $21.05 million salary for 2025.

The Cardinals did not make the offer to Goldschmidt for one of two reasons:

1) They just don’t want him back, period.

2) They want him back, but they want him back at a lower number.

The Cardinals are currently a team in transition and are actively looking to reduce payroll. Goldschmidt hit .245 in 2024 with 22 homers, so he still has something in the tank, but it might not be at $21 million anymore.

Where the Mariners come into play is that they no longer need to give up a draft pick to sign Goldschmidt. Had the Cardinals issued him a QO, they would have gotten a high compensatory pick from the signing team. The Mariners don’t like to give up top draft picks, especially for someone who will be 37 next season. Now they are free to sign it and it will only cost money.

A lifetime .289 hitter, Goldschmidt spent 14 years in the big leagues with the Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals. He is a seven-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glover. He won the National League MVP award in 2022.

THE Sailors are known to need an upgrade at first base next year. They have Luke Raley who can play there, but he has trouble hitting lefties. If Goldschmidt came to Seattle, he could play both first base and designated hitter.

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