Inside The Cardinals

Cardinals Linked To Power-Hitting All-Star In Potential Offseason Blockbuster Deal

St. Louis needs to find help on offense this winter

Nate Hagerty

Aug 13, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander (25) celebrates his third inning solo home run against the Washington Nationals with shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander (25) celebrates his third inning solo home run against the Washington Nationals with shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports / Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
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The St. Louis Cardinals didn't foresee the offense performing so poorly this season when the club looked to retool the pitching staff over the winter.

This year's Cardinal lineup has lacked power and consistency -- ranking No. 21 in the league with 131 home runs and No. 24 with 510 runs scored.

If St. Louis wants to return to a playoff-caliber team, it needs to find a way to bolster its offensive power this offseason and a highly-coveted slugger might be a solution.

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander was recently linked to the Cardinals in what could be a significant offseason signing for St. Louis, according to Mark Feinsand's article on the top 2025 free agents.

Santander is batting .239 with 59 extra-base hits including 37 home runs, 82 RBIs and a .834 OPS in 121 games played for the Orioles this season.

The 29-year-old is having the best season of his career and it can't come at a better time. This offseason is his first as a free agent and after the monstrous season he's having in 2024, he'll likely receive a handsome contract this winter.

The switch-hitter has batted .247 with 304 extra-base hits including 148 home runs, 415 RBIs and a .778 OPS across eight seasons played for Baltimore.

Having a switch-hitter with Santander's power is a rare asset. The Cardinals have struggled mightly against left-handed pitching this season, so adding his right-handed hitting capabilities to the lineup would be monumental.

The Cardinals fan base doesn't deserve to endure another season of mediocrity and hopefully, St. Louis' front office won't hold back from spending this winter to make 2025 a better year.

More MLB: Cardinals Franchise Reportedly Could Look 'Very Different' Next Season

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Nate Hagerty

NATE HAGERTY

Nate Hagerty joined “Inside The Cardinals” as a content creator to spread knowledge about his favorite childhood team. A hometown native of Boston, Hagerty chose at an early age of six years old to follow the St. Louis Cardinals. The miraculous season of 04’ for the Red Sox did not deter Hagerty from rooting against his hometown team, nor did it in 2013 against the Red Birds. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu 

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