Cardinals Should Target Anthony Santander in Upcoming Offseason
As the 2023 MLB season winds down, the St. Louis Cardinals find themselves facing a critical offseason. With another underperforming season and a roster in need of a significant overhaul, the team needs to make shrewd moves to get back into contention. One intriguing target for the Cardinals should be Anthony Santander, an All-Star outfielder set to hit free agency in 2025. Santander’s power and offensive versatility could be a game-changer for a Cardinals team that has struggled to find consistent production at the plate this season.
Key Takeaways
- The Cardinals are in dire need of offensive firepower after another season of disappointing offensive output. Their young players haven’t lived up to expectations, and even veterans like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado have shown signs of age.
- Anthony Santander offers a potent combination of power and on-base ability. His 37 home runs and 133 OPS+ highlight his ability to contribute offensively.
- Santander’s arrival would require some roster maneuvering, potentially leading to a young player being traded. However, the offensive boost he would provide could be worth the shakeup.
- Despite financial uncertainty, the Cardinals may have some wiggle room to make a move for Santander. With several contracts coming off the books, the team has the potential to create salary space for a free agent signing.
Santander’s Value to the Cardinals
Santander’s offensive prowess makes him an attractive target for a Cardinals team desperately seeking a boost in 2024. This season, he’s slashed .236/.304/.520 with 37 home runs and 82 RBIs. While his average and on-base percentage might be lower than some may desire, his plus-plus power is undeniable. The Cardinals have been plagued by an inability to hit for power, and Santander’s skillset could address that issue directly.
His on-base percentage might not be elite, but a .304 OBP is still respectable and better than the team’s overall offensive output. His low strikeout rate of 19.4% paired with a 7.8% walk rate further highlights his ability to get on base. This combination of power and on-base potential is exactly what the Cardinals need to revitalize their offense.
How Santander Fits into the Cardinals’ Lineup
Santander’s potential arrival brings about some interesting lineup scenarios. Alec Burleson could shift to first base, opening up an outfield spot. The Cardinals could then deploy a mix of Jordan Walker, Lars Nootbaar, Michael Siani, and Victor Scott II in the outfield, while Brendan Donovan could slide over to second base. This arrangement, however, leaves Nolan Gorman out of the equation. His future with the Cardinals could be in jeopardy, and he could become an offseason trade candidate, although selling low on Gorman is a risk.
Santander’s versatility makes him an ideal fit for the Cardinals. He can serve as the primary designated hitter and take on a substantial portion of the corner outfield duties. His ability to handle both positions provides manager Oliver Marmol with flexibility when setting the lineup.
Financial Considerations
The Cardinals’ financial situation remains a significant factor. Bill DeWitt Jr., the team’s owner, has stated that the team’s offseason spending is still unclear due to attendance concerns and uncertainty surrounding their regional sports network. However, with contracts of Paul Goldschmidt and potentially Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson coming off the books, the Cardinals do have some financial flexibility. Sonny Gray’s salary jumps to $25 million next year, which might limit how much they can spend, but there’s still room for a significant free agent acquisition.
Bleacher Report predicts that Santander will receive a four-year, $60 million contract, a $15 million AAV (average annual value). For a player of Santander’s caliber and age (he’ll be 30 next season), that price tag is relatively reasonable.
The Bottom Line
In an offseason where the Cardinals need to make bold moves to address their weak offense, Anthony Santander stands as a compelling target. His power and versatility would be a significant boost to a lineup that desperately needs a spark. While roster adjustments might be necessary, the potential benefits of adding Santander outweigh the challenges he might present.
If the Cardinals are truly committed to improving next season, Santander should be at the top of their wish list. He represents a valuable opportunity to inject much-needed firepower into the lineup and contribute toward a return to contention.
