MLB: One free agent each team needs to target this offseason

One free agent each MLB team needs to target this offseason

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

26 of 30

PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 18: Nicholas Castellanos #9 of the Detroit Tigers hits an RBI double in the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates during inter-league play at PNC Park on June 18, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

St. Louis Cardinals: Nicholas Castellanos

The Cardinals were the surprise winners of the NL Central in 2019, written off as an also-ran behind the Cubs and Brewers, the Cards rode their trademark recipe of dominant pitching and just enough offense to an upset of their rivals. St. Louis was able to end a three-year playoff drought and advanced to the NLCS where they were knocked off by the Nationals.

To stay on top in one of baseball’s most competitive divisions, the Cardinals are going to need to upgrade their offense this winter. They have their rotation set for the future with Jack Flaherty and Dakota Hudson leading the way. It was the offense that was the weak link this year, as the Cardinals finished 10th in the NL in runs, 12th in home runs and 11th in OPS.

Trading for Paul Goldschmidt and Marcell Ozuna was supposed to give the Cardinals the type of lineup they’ve been searching for since Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday moved on. Goldschmidt and Ozuna, however, were just average this year and now Ozuna gets a chance to test free agency for the first time in his career.

Ozuna may have an interest in returning to St. Louis, but after watching him hit .262/.327/.451 with 52 home runs and 177 RBI in two years, the Cardinals should not have an interest in giving him a rich multi-year deal.

Nicholas Castellanos, coming off a career year, is a much better option. The 27-year-old has quietly hit .286/.356/.504 with 165 doubles, 22 triples, 94 home runs and 321 RBI over the last four seasons. His hard-charging approach to the game would also go over well in St. Louis.

Home/MLB