MLB Rumors: 3 Cardinals trade targets to steal from the basement-dwelling Royals
By Mark Powell
MLB Rumors: Cardinals should trade for Matt Duffy
Matt Duffy would offer the Cardinals a little bit of everything. He’s far from a household name, but makes solid contact on the ball and can play multiple positions. Comfortable at shortstop, second and third base, Duffy would come off the bench for a contending Cards team and provide sound defense, giving their regulars an off day.
So far this season, he’s slashing .309/.360/.397 in 27 games. That’s not a massive sample size, but it also means Duffy can be had for relatively cheap, which is music to John Mozeliak’s ears. It’s rare to get an impact player who can play at three positions for next to nothing.
Duffy has seen an uptick in his offensive numbers after focusing more on his swing analytics this offseason. The 32-year-old made the Royals Opening Day roster in part because of that alteration.
“It was really fascinating,” Duffy said at the time. “And the more I learn about it, and the way it was presented to me, I think a lot more people would be on board with the newer-age way of thinking. That was a quest that I went on this offseason. It’s hard to argue.”
Clearly, Duffy has figured something out, and on a cheap, one-year deal, he’s a valuable yet cheap addition for the Cards. So-called contenders need players like Duffy to reach their ultimate goal.