Ex-Cardinals Outfielder Available; Should Club Reunite After Tommy Edman News?

Should the Cardinals consider another signing to add more depth?

The St. Louis Cardinals got some bad news Thursday.

St. Louis has been monitoring the health of utility man Tommy Edman throughout Spring Training as he's been recovering from wrist surgery.

The 28-year-old is expected to be the club's everyday center fielder in 2024 but things haven't worked out so far. He's been dealing with pain in his wrist and officially will miss Opening Day and begin the 2024 season on the Injured List. 

St. Louis still has some options in the outfield, but a depth signing still could make some sense if Edman isn't able to get back on track quickly.

One former member of the Cardinals still is looking for his next opportunity in free agency. Veteran outfielder Tommy Pham had a solid season with the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023 but somehow hasn't found his next opportunity.

Pham was selected in the 16th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft and began his big league career with St. Louis in 2014 and spent the first four-plus seasons of his career in town. 

The 36-year-old likely could be signed for a cheap deal with Opening Day right around the corner. Pham clubbed 16 home runs and drove in 68 runs last season in 129 games played. He saw time at all three outfield spots as well. 

St. Louis still is loaded in the outfield but if Edman is going to miss significant time it may make sense to add a little more veteran depth.

More MLB: Cardinals Rising Star Will Miss Opening Day; Begin 2024 Season On Injured List