Announcement: Cardinals Finalizing $15 Million Deal To Sign Versitile Infielder At The Trade Deadline

The Cardinals have positioned themselves to be buyers at the trade deadline. They may not be aggressive buys, but they might try to add a piece or two to the squad to improve their chances of retaining the Wild Card spot and possibly challenging the Brewers for the division lead.

Contrary to popular assumption, I believe that the most important requirement for this squad is offensive. I know Lars Nootbaar and Tommy Edman are on their way back, and the offense has shown some life, but they still rank near the bottom of the league in runs scored, average, and OPS.

For this reason, I feel offense should be prioritized over pitching, and there is someone who could help the Cardinals.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa has excelled with the Blue Jays since gaining a starting position. It is safe to state that he has seized this opportunity. What if the Cardinals took a risk on him?

Kiner-Falefa joined the Blue Jays this summer on a two-year, $15 million contract. Due to major player injuries and Cavan Biggio’s departure, he now plays on a regular basis in Toronto. However, we know that the Blue Jays are likely to sell this season.

Recall last month when John Mozeliak said that he was looking for a right-handed bat who could play some center field. Kiner-Falefa not only checks those boxes but can play almost anywhere in the field.

Yes, Edman’s return should offer Oli Marmol more options, but bear in mind that even with everyone healthy, this offense struggled last year. Kiner-Falefa can play both infield and outfield, giving the offense a boost.

Out of all the available bats, I believe he would be the best fit. With Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado still playing below average, Kiner-Falefa can play second or third base while Brendan Donovan moves to first or third. Nolan Gorman is also struggling and could benefit from some time in the minors.

The Cardinals can plug Kiner-Falefa into the everyday shuffle if they send Gorman down. They can also keep Alec Burleson in right field or move him back to the designated hitter slot, or even put Donovan or Edman at second while you put Kiner-Falefa in one of the starting outfield spots.

The point is, he could give the Cardinals a lot of options if somebody gets hurt or certain players continue to struggle, and I think it would be wise for the Cardinals to consider this as they try to assess their needs and decide what to do at the deadline.