4 Cardinals offseason mistakes so far, and how to fix them

Cards require a backup outfielder/designated hitter, can sign Martinez

The Cardinals need a power-hitting outfielder who can also be a designated hitter. Free agent J.D. Martinez may fit that bill.

Mozeliak promises to give plenty of opportunity for Tyler O’Neill, Lars Nootbaar, Dylan Carlson, and the organization’s top prospect Jordan Walker in the outfield in 2023. While Walker is still growing into his potential, O’Neill and Carlson were each riddled with injuries. Nootbaar stepped up and played any position in the outfield that was asked of him.

With so much youth, the Cardinals would greatly benefit from a veteran with a power bat who could act as a designated hitter. In 2022 for the Red Sox, Martinez played in 139 games. He hit .247/.341/.446 with a BABIP of .345, knocking 16 home runs, 76 runs, and 62 RBI.  Martinez was mainly the designated hitter for the Red Sox, as they had several youngsters patrolling a wide-ranging outfield.

Like Albert Pujols, Martinez could benefit from a change in scenery, boosting his career and mentoring the young players around him.