The St. Louis Cardinals' outfield took a hit when they failed to re-sign Jason Heyward, who is arguably the best defensive outfielder in the MLB. Still, the unit isn't much a concern with Matt Holliday in left, Randal Grichuk in center and Stephen Piscotty in right.
However, rumors suggest the Cards might be looking to add another outfielder in a trade although general manager John Mozeliak said the team is no longer going to make a "dynamic signing" and "can take the time to see what we have in the players we control."
FOX Sports' Jon Morosi is reporting the Cardinals are "engaged in trade dialogue" with the Colorado Rockies regarding their outfielders. He notes Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson are available.
It's possible the Cardinals' interest is focused on Blackmon and/or Dickerson considering the two are under club control through at least the 2018 season at a bargain rate. On the other hand, Gonzalez is signed through 2017 and is owed $37 million and was moved to right field on a permanent basis last season (Blackmon and Dickerson are younger and played multiple outfield spots in 2015).
Based on logic, one would assume the Cardinals are looking for someone to take over for Holliday after the 2016 season since there's a possibility St. Louis does not exercise his $17 million team option for 2017. Dickerson has had much more exposure to left field over the past two seasons, but Blackmon has logged games at the position ever since his debut in 2011.
Here are each of the Rockies outfielders' offensive stats from the 2015 season:
Gonzalez - .271/.325/.540 with 87 runs scored, 40 home runs and 97 RBI
Blackmon - .287/.347/.450 with 93 runs scored, 17 home runs, 58 RBI and 43 stolen bases
Dickerson - .304/.333/.536 with 30 runs scored, 10 home runs and 31 RBI (missed 97 games due to injury)
Additionally, earlier this month it was reported Holliday was spotted in Florida taking reps at first base, so it's possible he moves there and the team finds another outfielder they can control for the foreseeable future.
Otherwise, St. Louis is probably just gauging what the trade market has to offer since FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal says the team is seemingly fine with their projected outfield as well as their first base situation for next season.
"But for now, the Cardinals believe their outfield will be better than expected. They remain high on [Brandon] Moss, who will be further removed from the hip surgery that he underwent in Oct. 2014. And they still see a healthy Matt Adams providing worthy competition at first - may the better left-handed hitter win."
It's unknown if the talks are substantial, so stay tuned for updates.
