Cardinals Loosely Linked To Dodgers 2-Time World Series Champion

Will the Cardinals do anything in free agency?
Apr 28, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A hat and glove of an Los Angeles Dodgers player durng a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Apr 28, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A hat and glove of an Los Angeles Dodgers player durng a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images / John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals absolutely should be looking to free agency right now.

St. Louis has done pretty much nothing so far this offseason, but the majority of the National League Central is in the same position. The Chicago Cubs have been the most active team in the division this offseason. The Milwaukee Brewers have made one big trade, but not much after that. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds have been quiet.

The division is vulnerable and the Cardinals could be competitive in it but it has been an odd offseason for the team. There's still time to make a move, though. FanSided's Josh Jacobs made a list of six players that could make sense for the Cardinals and suggested two-time Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion Enrique Hernández.

"Hernández turned 33 years old in August and is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, which is playing a major role in why he has yet to find a job this winter," Jacobs said. "The Cardinals certainly aren't afraid to go after struggling veterans (see Matt Carpenter, Brandon Crawford, and Lance Lynn last year), but I actually do think Hernández could fill a niche role for the Cardinals bench next year.

"You may be thinking "Why would they want another utility man on their roster in 2025?", and that's a great question. Brendan Donovan is one of the best utility men in all of baseball, and Thomas Saggese figures to be someone who will bounce around the infield for them this year. Still, you can never have enough versatility on your roster, and Hernández provides depth at two positions that the Cardinals would desire."

This is a good idea. He is an 11-year veteran and can play pretty much every position on the field. He's a two-time champion who has seen plenty of success. Adding that type of pedigree and veteran leadership to a clubhouse full of young guys absolutely could help. Plus, a move would make even more sense if Nolan Arenado is dealt.

More MLB: Cardinals-Red Sox Blockbuster Trade Still Possible, Per Insider


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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University. After quickly rising as one of the most productive writers on the site, he expanded his reach to write for Baseball Essential, a national baseball site in Sports Illustrated Media Group. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu