Cardinals are an obvious trade partner; Rays slugger is allegedly available. The lineup for St. Louis needs some reinforcements.
While the bullpen appears to be St. Louis’ primary priority at this point, it is the time of year to consider all alternatives for improving the squad.
Last season, the Cardinals’ offense ranked 13th with a.742 OPS and might benefit from adding a cheap on-base machine who can consistently drive in runs.
An available designated hitter from an American League opponent would be an ideal addition to St. Louis’ lineup.
“The (Tampa Bay) Rays, according to sources, also have been shopping designated hitter Harold Ramírez, whose OPS-plus the past two seasons is 21 percent above league average,” Rosenthal reported in Monday’s edition of The Athletic. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Ramírez is projected to earn $4.4 million in arbitration next season. Trading him would provide further opportunities for (Jonathan) Aranda and another 25-and-under batter, Curtis Mead.”
In 2023, Ramírez had a.313 batting average, 33 extra-base hits, 12 home runs, 68 RBIs, and a.813 OPS in 122 games with the Rays, closely matching his performance from the previous season.
The Cardinals may attempt to add position-player depth with a slugger who can play corner outfield and first base in a pinch, but is not a defensive stalwart. These are the margin adjustments that St. Louis looks to be amenable to.
It may be worthwhile to bring in a proven player capable of generating a 120 OPS+ in return for some mid-level prospects or disposable members of their 40-man roster.
The 29-year-old is under team control for two more seasons and will most likely be traded, considering that the organization is shopping him. Will the Cardinals add Ramírez to their lineup for 2024?