Rays Slugger Reportedly Available; Cardinals Are Logical Trade Partners

St. Louis' lineup could use some bolstering

The St. Louis Cardinals have successfully replenished their rotation this winter and can now look to other areas for improvement.

While the bullpen seemingly is St. Louis' focus at this juncture, it's the time of year to explore all options that could improve the roster. 

The Cardinals offense ranked No. 13 with a .742 OPS last season and could benefit from adding an affordable on-base machine that can drive in runs with regularity. 

Fortunately, there's an available designated hitter from an American League foe who would be a perfect addition to St. Louis' roster.

"The (Tampa Bay) Rays, according to sources, also have been shopping designated hitter Harold Ramírez, whose OPS-plus the past two seasons is 21 percent above league average," The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal wrote Monday. "MLB Trade Rumors projects Ramírez to earn $4.4 million in arbitration next season. Trading him would create even more at-bats for (Jonathan) Aranda and another 25-and-under hitter, Curtis Mead."

Ramírez batted .313 with 33 extra-base hits including 12 home runs, 68 RBIs, and a .813 OPS in 122 games for the Rays in 2023, and had nearly identical stats the season prior.

The Cardinals likely are done making notable changes to their roster but could look to add some positon-player depth with a slugger who mashes lefties and can play corner outfield plus first base in a pinch -- though he's far from a defensive stalwart. These are the moves in the margins that St. Louis appears to be open to. 

It might be worth bringing in a proven talent capable of posting 120 OPS+ in exchange for some mid-level prospects or expendable pieces of their 40-man roster.

The 29-year-old has two more seasons of team control and will likely be traded, given that the team is shopping him.

Will the Cardinals make a move to add Ramírez to the lineup for 2024?

More MLB: Cardinals Mentioned As 'Dark Horse Suitors' For Superstar Pitcher In Possible Trade