Cardinals best DH option is far more dependable than Albert Pujols

If the St. Louis Cardinals are seeking dependability, there are other options on the free-agent market — like Kyle Schwarber.

St. Louis has high aspirations for the 2022 season. The team needs to have dependable options throughout their roster. Securing Albert Pujols might be the fan-favorite option for designated hitter for some. But there is a better, more durable option on the free-agent market.

The Cardinals should try to get Kyle Schwarber to fill their designated hitter need. FanSided’s Braulio Perez discussed the possible pairing here.

As Schwarber was a member of the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Championship club, this might not be a popular option to St. Louis sports fans. Considering Schwarber is a lefty bat that just recently turned 29, he’s definitely more intriguing than a 42-year-old man on the last throes of his legendary career in Pujols.

Cardinals rumors: Kyle Schwarber a match made in heaven

For his career, Schwarber is hitting .237/.343/.453 with an +118 wRC and 153 home runs. In 2021, he split time between the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox.  Schwarber was hitting .266/.374/.554 with a +145 wRC and 32 homers.

When healthy, Schwarber has been a dominant hitter throughout his six seasons in the majors.

If he were to join the St. Louis, Schwarber would be the primary designated hitter. He is capable of playing in the outfield. The Cardinals have a pretty loaded outfield with Tyler O’Neill, Harrison Bader, Dylan Carlson, and Lars Nootbaar.

With Schwarber, the Cardinals would have a set designated hitter and wouldn’t have to worry as much about who to pull from the defense to fill the slot. While sliding Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado or O’Neill might be intriguing for manager Oliver Marmol to put in the DH slot, it wouldn’t be a huge, daily concern.

Unlike Pujols, Schwarber could be signed to a multi-year deal without much concern. It’s definitely something St. Louis should be looking into as we draw nearer to opening day.

The Cardinals want to put the best option on the field. The club will get that better option with Schwarber.