Cardinals Acquire First Baseman From Angels To Bolster Position Player Depth

St. Louis is adding positional depth

The St. Louis Cardinals have been busy retooling their roster this winter after a disappointing last-place National League Central finish in 2023.

The top priority of replenishing the rotation has been addressed and the club is still on the lookout to add weapons to the bullpen.

The latest move made by the Cardinals signals an effort to add positional depth to the roster before Opening Day.

The Cardinals have claimed first baseman/outfielder Alfonso Rivas off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels and designated outfielder Moisés Gómez for assignment -- the team announced Monday.

Rivas batted .229 with 14 extra-base hits including three home runs, 15 RBIs and a .725 OPS in 109 at-bats for the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023.

The 27-year-old made his Major League Baseball debut in 2021 with the Chicago Cubs and has played most of his defensive innings at first base -- occasionally manning left or right field.

Since making his debut, Rivas logged .243/.324/.349 and has been bounced around quite a bit -- being claimed off waivers just this offseason by the Cleveland Guardians, Angels and Cardinals.

It's unlikely to see Rivas make a major splash for the Cardinals in 2024 as he's suited to be a depth option in the event of an injury to a member of the active roster.

Perhaps with more experience, Rivas can rise to a more significant role in St. Louis. Until then, this move is nothing to write home about.

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