The St. Louis Cardinals made the biggest splash of the offseason to date after acquiring first baseman Paul Goldschmidt in a blockbuster trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

Is he the first of a few big moves for the Cardinals? According to the team's manager, you can never say never.

Cardinals manager Mike Shildt was in Springfield on Thursday night to speak at Missouri State's second annual Step Up to the Plate event at the Shrine Mosque.

Shildt was excited to talk about his new first baseman while laughing when asked if Bryce Harper will be the next domino to fall.

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"That's a good joke,'" Shildt laughed. "It's not a sense of 'is that going to take place? I would never, never, never, never say never but I wouldn't go to the roulette table on it. I think we've done a nice job with the piece we've got."

So what about Manny Machado?

"It's out of my pay grade," Shildt said. "I feel like the pieces we've put together is more than enough and whatever moves will take place will take place. I think from an offensive standpoint, we're always looking to improve the team but I don't think to the level of investment or commitment to a Harper or Machado."

But that didn't take away from his joy talking about his new six-time All-star and three-time Gold Glove winner.

"It's something we've been discussing for about a month now," Shildt said. "We just wrapped up with three days with our field staff and our front office. We were looking for a way to get better and I got a text. I checked my email and it said we acquired Goldschmidt for the pieces."

After missing the playoffs the last three seasons, the Cardinals sent pitcher Luke Weaver, catcher Carson Kelly, minor league infielder Andy Young and a 2019 draft pick to Arizona.

Goldschmidt has a $14.5 million salary next year, receives a $1 million assignment bonus for the trade and will be eligible for free agency after next season. The Cardinals have a history of acquiring top hitters and then signing them to long-term deals, including Mark McGwire and Matt Holliday.

"Goldschmidt moves the needle," Shildt said. "He's a really established big league hitter obviously. You're talking about an elite hitter that you can put in the top or the middle of the lineup that you can count on. He makes everybody better around him. You're also adding a three-time Gold Glove winner who gives us legitimately five to six Gold Gloves on the field."

The first baseman, 31, was among the top players available in the trade market. He hit .290 with 33 home runs and 83 RBI last season.

"He's just a great guy," Shildt said. "He's going to be a strong presence in the clubhouse and a standup guy who adds residual value."

Shildt found himself back in Springfield after serving as the Double-A manager from 2012-14 and lead the Cardinals to their first Texas League Championship in 2012.

He took over the St. Louis Cardinals on an interim basis in July and led the Cardinals to a 40-28 record during the second half of the season. The interim tag was removed in late August.

"My time in Springfield was a lot of fond memories," Shildt said. "I established a relationship with Bears head coach Keith Guttin and their program. I'd go to the games and see Tate Matheny and Luke Voit play a bit. They were always good to me and when Coach Guttin called, it was a no-brainer."

The USA Today contributed to this report