Five Free Agent Position Players the Cardinals Could Sign to Add Depth
As the offseason progresses, St. Louis Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak continues to shape the roster, with a primary focus on trading third baseman Nolan Arenado. Once that move is finalized, the club can address remaining roster needs. Mozeliak has expressed plans to add a reliever and a right-handed bat, leaving speculation about which free agents could fill those roles.
Several relievers and right-handed position players are still available, with a key question being where a new bat might fit into the lineup post-Arenado. The Cardinals’ outfield currently projects Lars Nootbaar, Michael Siani, and Jordan Walker as starters, while Alec Burleson and Brendan Donovan cover corner roles. In the infield, Willson Contreras, Brendan Donovan, Masyn Winn, and Nolan Gorman are set, with Ivan Herrera and Pedro Pages sharing catching duties.
The Cardinals may target a center fielder to platoon with Michael Siani or a utility infielder to provide defensive flexibility. Here are five potential right-handed free agents who could fit these needs.
1. CF Harrison Bader
A return to St. Louis for Harrison Bader would bring both nostalgia and upgraded defense. Bader, 31, hit .236 with 12 home runs and 17 stolen bases (85 wRC+) for the Mets last season while providing stellar defense with 10 Outs Above Average (OAA). His numbers surpass those of Michael Siani and Victor Scott II, making him a strong candidate to shore up center field while maintaining elite defensive play.
2. OF Austin Hays
Non-tendered by the Phillies in November, Austin Hays enters free agency after a down offensive year, slashing .255/.303/.396 with five home runs. Despite his struggles, the 29-year-old was an All-Star in 2023 and has a career OPS+ of 109 from 2021-2023. Primarily a corner outfielder, Hays could rotate with Lars Nootbaar or fill in at center field when needed.
3. INF Nick Ahmed
A defensive specialist, Nick Ahmed offers significant value as a backup shortstop. Last season, Ahmed hit .229/.267/.295 across 228 plate appearances but shined defensively, amassing 118 Outs Above Average and 79 Defensive Runs Saved in his career. His addition would provide elite infield defense and reliable depth behind Masyn Winn.
4. OF Ramón Laureano
Once a cornerstone for the Oakland Athletics, Ramón Laureano rediscovered his power with the Braves last season, hitting .296/.327/.505 with 10 home runs in 226 plate appearances. At 30, Laureano may seek a starting role or significant playing time, which the Cardinals could offer off the bench or in a platoon role. While his defense has declined slightly, he remains a capable outfielder and intriguing offensive option.
5. UTIL Garrett Hampson
Garrett Hampson’s versatility makes him an ideal depth signing. Capable of playing every defensive position, Hampson was a plus defender across the outfield and infield last season. Though his bat was underwhelming (.230/.275/.300), the 30-year-old utility player would provide reliable defensive coverage and flexibility while seeing limited at-bats.
Conclusion
Each of these free agents addresses specific needs for the Cardinals, whether it’s defensive stability, offensive upside, or positional versatility. With a mix of proven veterans and utility players, these options could strengthen St. Louis’s depth as the team finalizes its roster for the 2025 season.
Leave a Reply