3 moves St. Louis Cardinals need to make now that MLB lockout is over

3 moves Cardinals need to make now that MLB lockout is over

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Yadier Molina #4 talks to T.J. McFarland #62 as Paul DeJong #11 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the National League Wild Card Game at Dodger Stadium on October 06 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 28: Colin Moran #19 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on September 28, 2021 in Pittsburgh. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

St. Louis Cardinals rumors: Not Albert Pujols, unfortunately

Colin Moran was surprisingly non-tendered a contract by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cardinals have reportedly shown some interest in him.

Moran has played first base and third base, meaning he could allow Arenado or Goldschmidt a day off or replace one of them on the field if they are needed to DH. Moran could easily be a DH as well. In his four-year career .267/.329/.418 hitter with 45 homers, 72 doubles, and 216 RBI. In 2021, he hit .258/.334/.390 with 10 homers.

It will be curious to see how he would work with Marmol and hitting coach Jeff Albert. With the Cardinals noted shift toward analytics, Moran could benefit from some tips from the team. Moran’s hard-hit percentage declined from 47.2 in the Covid-19 shortened 2020 season to 37.2 in 2021. In 2019, Moran’s launch angle was 12.5, 8.3 in 2020, and 7.2 in 2021.

Getting a change in scenery and a different coaching style may help Moran. He may not be an everyday option for the Cardinals, but he could be a fun option off the bench or in the DH role.

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