MLB Insider's Take: Cardinals Eyeing Veteran Right-Handed Slugger
The St. Louis Cardinals are gearing up for the 2026 season, and Chaim Bloom is on a mission to fill the final gaps in their roster. With a focus on finding a versatile right-handed hitter, Bloom aims to strengthen the team's offensive capabilities. Alec Burleson, Nolan Gorman, and Lars Nootbaar already occupy key positions, but the Cardinals could benefit from adding a right-handed platoon bat.
One potential candidate is veteran outfielder Miguel Andujar, who has been linked to the Cardinals by Jon Heyman. Andujar, a nine-year veteran, has been generating interest from several teams seeking a right-handed outfielder. Heyman's report mentions the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Athletics, and Cardinals as potential suitors.
In the 2025 season, Andujar showcased his versatility by playing all four corner positions. He split time between the Athletics and the Cincinnati Reds, posting an impressive .318/.352/.470 slash line for an .822 OPS. This performance earned him a 125 OPS+, the second-highest mark of his career, with 10 home runs and 44 runs batted in.
Andujar's defensive skills may not be his strongest suit, but the Cardinals are likely more interested in his offensive prowess. Last year, he demonstrated exceptional performance against left-handed pitchers, boasting a .389/.409/.589 slash line for a 171 wRC+. This is particularly valuable for the Cardinals, who ranked 16th in wRC+ against left-handed pitchers, indicating a clear need for improvement in this area.
Andujar's market value is estimated to be around $5-6 million for a one-year deal, with FanGraphs and Spotrac providing these projections. The Cardinals could enhance the deal by adding an option for 2027, including an opt-out clause worth approximately $500,000. This potential addition aligns with Bloom's desire for a right-handed hitter, further strengthening the Cardinals' 2026 roster.
