Another stalled free-agent market continues to ripen for contending teams that can afford to pay for increased insurance and/or an edge for 2019, and the opportunities should only get sweeter as free agents not named Bryce Harper and Manny Machado feel more restless by the day. There will be some short-term deals accepted. There will be some steals made by teams that go on to win big. The Cardinals can and should be among those who take advantage.

Yes, the bold items on the Cardinals’ offseason shopping list have check marks next to them. Goldschmidt is the middle of the order hitter and defensive upgrade at first base. Miller is the proven lefthanded reliever for a bullpen in desperate need of one. Robinson can be the defensively versatile lefthanded option off the bench.

This isn’t a market to rush out of, though. There is still so much left on the shelves. And sale season nears.

The Cardinals can be savvy shoppers. They don’t need to act in desperation. They don’t need to act at all.

That doesn’t mean they should refrain.