Cardinals: 5 best-case scenario replacements for Yadier Molina

4) Cardinals: Sean Murphy would be a defense-first catcher to target

The Oakland Athletics are selling as many players as they can and catcher Sean Murphy, despite some bad offensive numbers, is a guy many teams will be intrigued by. Last year’s American League Gold Glove winner would be a defense-first option for the Cardinals but an affordable one for the payroll and a long-term consideration.

Because Murphy has yet to be a financial burden for the A’s, they will probably ask a lot in exchange for him even if his numbers continue to underwhelm.

The Cardinals should be in the market to find someone who isn’t an automatic out and can possibly knock a clutch hit every so often. Murphy still has a lot to prove as a big leaguer so unless the price tag comes down, they might want to go in a different direction.

5) Cardinals: Perfection is Ivan Herrera becoming at least serviceable at the major league level right now

The Cardinals might not have to look very far for a replacement for Molina. Catching prospect Ivan Herrera might still need a little more development. However, in 129 plate appearances this year at Triple-A, he did bat .291/.388/.436 with 3 home runs.

The performance was a promising change from the .229/.342/.403 he slashed last year in 98 Double-A games and a single appearance in Triple-A. Herrera is the guy the Cardinals hoped could take the catcher spot from Molina once he officially retired. Thrust into action a little season, the best-case scenario for the Cardinals is for him to hit well and play steady defense behind the plate.

If Herrera does hit well, the Cardinals might simply want to look for a more proven backup for him. There are plenty of veteran backstops out there they can pluck away from other teams’ benches or Triple-A squads. For the next two or three weeks, St. Louis can see what, if anything, Herrera can offer.