The St. Louis Cardinals are likely to miss the postseason thanks to their lack of offensive firepower this season. They were banking on big seasons from Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado and were not able to replicate their past success.
Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had said that the Cardinals are likely to pursue a bat via trade this winter. On Twitter, Thomas Gauvain of FanSided listed Tampa Bay Rays slugger Yandy Diaz as a potential fit.
Goldschmidt could ultimately leave in free agency, even after a hot month of September. This would leave an opening for the Cardinals to pursue a bat.
Diaz would likely slot in as the team's first baseman if acquired, and he would be an interesting fit in St. Louis. He certainly would bolster their offense and give them a younger bat to build around.
This season with the Rays, the 33-year-old is hitting. 281 with 14 home runs. 65 RBI, and a .754 OPS. The Cardinals may need a little more in terms of power, but his high average and OPS should benefit them if they decide to pursue him.
He won't come cheap, and the Cardinals may have to pay a hefty price to acquire him, which may include some prospects, but it will be interesting to see if St. Louis decides to go after the veteran slugger.
It would certainly make sense if they want to improve their offense.
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