Now that they sit five games back in the National League Wild Card race and 11 back in the NL Central, chances of the St. Louis Cardinals reaching the postseason are slim.
St. Louis is also at risk of recording back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1994-1995.
The offense has been their biggest problem, but they could combat their struggles for 2025 by signing a breakout slugger from the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency.
"Teoscar Hernandez has thrived as a run producer for a Dodgers team with a ton of talent in front of him,' Tim Kelly of Just Baseball writes. "Entering his age-32 season, Hernandez will surely be looking for a multi-year commitment this time around."
Hernandez won't come cheap, and St. Louis already has a ton of outfielders. However, they could potentially use this as an opportunity to use Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker as designated hitter and first base options.
This would allow Hernandez to play full-time in the outfield. The 31-year-old slugger is hitting .265 with 26 home runs, 80 RBI, six stolen bases, and an .820 OPS.
He joined the Dodgers on a one-year, $23.5 million contract this past offseason, so he'll likely come with a high price tag. But St. Louis could benefit from having his presence in the lineup, and he certainly wouldn't be quite as expensive as Juan Soto.
Plus, St. Louis will have some holes to fill. Paul Goldschmidt may depart in free agency, and so too could Tommy Pham. Having a right-handed outfield bat would give them a chance to bounce back into contention in 2025.
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