Ex-Cardinals Prospect Turned Star Reportedly Available; Does Reunion Make Sense?

Could St. Louis pursue a former prospect to help bolster the lineup?

The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to recover from one of their worst seasons in franchise history by staying active in the market this offseason.

With the top priority of retooling the rotation accomplished, the Cardinals can now look down other avenues to improve their roster.

As trade rumors continue to heat up at this year's winter meetings, a former St. Louis rising star has reportedly been made available -- should the Cardinals pursue him?

"Randy Arozarena is available, and it is believed his name has come up in different scenarios, as well," MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported on Sunday.

Arozarena batted .254 with 45 extra-base hits including 23 home runs, 83 RBIs, and .789 OPS in 151 games played for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023.

The 28-year-old slugger made his Major League Baseball debut with the Cardinals in 2019 but was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays the following season in a deal that sent Arozarena, José Martínez, and a 2020 supplemental first-round pick to the Rays for Edgardo Rodriguez, Matthew Liberatore, and a 2020 supplemental second-round pick.

The talented outfielder has logged 70 home runs and holds a 126 OPS+ since being traded to Tampa. The Cardinals surely missed out on the potential Arozarena has shown.

However, the Cardinals are in no need of outfielders and are currently looking to cut the logjam of talent they currently hold in that department.

A trade for Arozarena would not make sense for the Cardinals and they should stick to focusing on fixing their bullpen, which needs much improvement.

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